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The Lehi Pioneers rallied to defeat Taylorsville 5-4 to claim their first state softball championship in 17 years.
Taylorsville, playing its sixth game in three days, took a 3-1 lead in the third inning when Karlee Jensen hit a two-run home run.
It led 4-1 entering the fifth inning when Lehi scored three runs with two outs and took a 5-4 lead.
That lead held up into the seventh inning when Taylorsville had runners on first and second with two outs.
A Taylorsville batter hit a fly ball down the third base line. Lehi left fielder Brooklyn Willes made a diving catch to preserve the Pioneers' first state title since 1997.
“It was right in the sun and I, kind of just dove for it and caught it,” Willes said of her memorable play.
The enormous impact Willes had on the final outcome of the game was improbable. She doesn’t hit for the Pioneers. Her contribution comes in left field, but when the opportunity was there she made a spectacular play she and her teammates will never forget.
“I just try to do my part,” Willes said. “I work my butt off in the outfield. Even though I don’t hit, I’ve struggled with that all year, I try to work my hardest in the outfield.”
Starting pitcher Sydney White earned the win that means so much to her school and community.
We’ve been down a lot in this tournament, but this is a team that you know we can come back no matter what,” said White. “As long as I do my best on the mound, they’re going to back me up with the bats. I believe in them and they believe in me, so that’s how we work.
Lehi had to defeat four region champions in the tournament to claim the title.
