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At this time last season, Jordan had one of the most feared softball teams in the state. Even Taylorsville knew games against its main Region 2 rival was not going to be an easy one, filled with the type of anticipation reserved for the state tournament.
    But right now, all the Beetdiggers hope to do is make the playoffs.
    With losing all but one starter from last year's powerful lineup, this current batch of Jordan players are looking to keep a school tradition alive, which is qualifying for the state tournament every season, according to coach John Lundstrom.
    This time, it would be Jordan's 18 consecutive playoff appearance since the inception of the sport in 1990.
    The Beetdiggers (5-4 in region, 7-13 overall) had the chance to clinch the third and playoff spot in Region 2 on Wednesday afternoon but, their game against Alta (5-4, 7-9-1) was postponed after a half inning due to rain. The winner will be tied with Brighton for second place.
    The Hawks scored one run, thanks to an RBI single from Rhiannon Mann. The showdown will continue today at 3:30 p.m. with the Beetdiggers resuming at the bottom of the first. Alta has also never missed the playoffs.
    Lundstrom doesn't seem to be nervous about the special circumstance.
    "We have made progress and the girls have improved their skills," said Lundstrom, a second-year
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coach. "They've been trying to overcome their youth in critical situations at the plate or out on the field. If we have two bad innings, we know it won't kill us."
    The Beetdiggers didn't worry about that kind of stuff last season, with them finishing 13-9 overall and playing three games in the Class 5A state tournament - including a 5-4 loss to eventual runner-up Spanish Fork. Then they had to say goodbye to all their starters except for Kaylie Robison, the senior who recently stated that it felt "frustrating" and "awkward" to be the lone returner.
    Let's say the way the Beetdiggers kicked off this season was uncharacteristic, with a 1-7 record compared to them winning the first three games a year ago. This is the same Jordan program that won state championships in 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2002.
    But eventually, the Jordan players simply got used to each other. They began to trust sophomore Cierra Bell, who gradually became the No. 1 pitcher. Other key players are Megan Johnson and Amber Jenson, with the latter continuing a family legacy of playing softball at Jordan. The Beetdiggers even had a three-game winning this season, including a 8-5 victory over Alta.
    "The anticipation is killing me right now," Robison said. "I wish we played [Wednesday] so I could know now."
    csun@sltrib.com
   
   
   Region 2 showdown
   
   Alta at Jordan
    Game time: 3:30 p.m.
    Records: Jordan (7-13 overall),
    Alta (7-9-1)
    Last meeting: Jordan 8-5 (April 21)
    * In today's game against Alta, the Jordan Beetdiggers are playing for the final playoff in Region 2. This is an unusual situation for the Beetdiggers, who have made it to the postseason every year since the inception of the sport in 1990.
    For more stories and photos about high school softball, visit www.TribPreps.com