After losing its only pitcher last year to graduation, the Skyline softball team knew this year would be a struggle. Coach Denice Long was optimistic, however, and got busy teaching one of her star players, three-time all-state center fielder Katie Kaelin, how to be a pitcher.
    Still, Kaelin's decision to leave behind her primary position was not easy.
    "She told me, 'I'm not confident and I don't love it, but I'll do my best,' '' said Long. "That's enough for me."
    "The pitcher is really involved in turning points in the game," said Kaelin. "It's a lot different from just chilling in the field. There is a lot more responsibility."
    Things started off rough for Kaelin at the mound, but by midseason she seemed to have hit her stride following wins against Hillcrest, Brighton, and Park City. In the Eagles' 4-2 win over Brighton on April 16, Kaelin pitched a gem and struck out 10 batters.
    Kaelin also did her part offensively for the Eagles with the help of Karlee Karen. The pair went 4-for-6 with four RBIs in the Eagles' midseason winning streak against Park City and Brighton.
    "I don't think people realize the great players we have buried in this team," said Long. "It's been a challenge, but it's part of what is making this year fun,"
    Though Skyline made some big strides this season, its pitching woes could continue into
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next year as it loses Kaelin to graduation.
   
    West
   
    After an up-and-down preseason, West's early season victory against Region 6 leader Olympus seemed to be a sign of good things to come for the Panthers. Following the win, however, West lost five of its next seven games before shutting out last-place Granger 10-0 on April 24.
    Still, the Panthers are hanging on to a 4-6 region record and will likely snag the fifth and final playoff seed from Region 6. Based on their decent performances against teams like Cyprus, the Panthers could have a chance to upset a few teams come state tournament time.
   
    Judge Memorial
   
    After struggling through their first three region games, the Judge softball team's nonregion victory over top-ranked Cyprus at the Swing for Life Tournament was a big moment for the young Bulldog team. Against the Pirates, Ashley Azarow had a double and triple to lead Judge to a 10-6 win. The Bulldogs had less luck in a tough Region 10, however, and will end their season this week against Wasatch.
    Though the Bulldogs missed the postseason this year, the future looks bright the young team. In her six years as head coach Carolyn Richards has never been more excited about her team which will return a talented group of underclassmen, including freshman Madi Moll, who led the Bulldogs on the mound this season.
    "This is probably the most depth I've seen in my time here," said Richards.