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SPANISH FORK — For the first time in two decades, the South Sevier Rams are 2A softball state champions once again.
Behind dominant defense and historic home runs from seniors Caitlin Nielson and Kinley Phelps, No. 1 seeded South Sevier defeated the Beaver Beavers on Saturday to claim the 2A title at the Spanish Fork Softball Complex.
The 8-3 victory marks the Rams' first state championship since 2004 — a long-awaited return to the top for the program.
"It's actually huge," South Sevier head coach Elle Woolsey said. "Last time we took state I was a junior in high school, so we are bringing it back. Our goal is to change the community of softball in our area and we are doing our best to start somewhere."
The Rams (30-1) wasted no time setting the tone Saturday. In the opening inning, Nielson launched her ninth home run of the season — a towering shot that also brought home two teammates — giving South Sevier an early 3-0 lead. The Rams weren't done yet, finishing the first inning with five runs and putting Beaver on its heels.
"We came out of the gate hitting really good, and it just took us a minute to get the bats going again, but two home runs and six runs, you can't be too upset with that," Woolsey said.
Kinley Phelps went 1-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored, and a stolen base, while Nielson added to her performance with three RBI.
"I really just wanted to do it for my team," Nielson said. "It's a family. It's my family and I want to be the best for them and show them what I can do. It feels freaking amazing."
While Beaver, coming off a tight 17-15 semifinal win over Duchesne, pushed back with three runs in the fifth and sixth innings, the Rams' defense shut the door the rest of the way.
With Saturday's win, South Sevier extended its winning streak to 30 straight games — a remarkable run that turned the Rams into champions.
"They are just everything you could ask for, our seniors," Woolsey said. "They are just such good leaders. They jump on board with all of our crazy ideas."
For a community that's waited 20 years to celebrate another state title, this one means more than just a trophy.
