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St. George • Softball championships are becoming synonymous with Stansbury. Working within the fertile Region 11, which has produced numerous softball powerhouses, the Stallions have quickly established themselves as the next dynasty with their third straight Class 3A state championship in just the school's sixth year of existence.

This title came as no surprise, but not without challenge. The Stallions secured their 10th consecutive postseason victory with a 5-3 decision against Bear River at The Fields in Little Valley on Saturday afternoon.

"Way harder," said Stansbury coach Bridget Clinton when asked if the third title was more difficult to earn. "Just cause everybody knows what to expect, every single game, everybody steps up their game. There is always that pressure to go out [and perform]."

The Stallions spotted senior pitcher, Kimbri Herring — who concluded her sensational career as the second-winningest pitcher in UHSAA history — a 2-0 advantage in the first inning.

"She's Batman," Clinton said of Herring. "She just did what she needed to do, and it was amazing. She's been our workhorse for the last three years, pitches every single inning. She wants the ball; she doesn't want to give the ball to anybody else. It's her team, and her game to win."

Bear River, which lost two postseason games against Stansbury after splitting the regular-season series, jabbed back on Jordan Fitting's run-scoring double in the fourth inning to trim its deficit to 2-1.

Stansbury responded shortly thereafter, with Madison Riolo's two-run triple and Alyssa Warr's sacrifice RBI to extend the lead back to 5-1. The added breathing room proved necessary.

In the top of the seventh, Herring walked in a run trying to avoid serving anything to Bear River's power-hitter Bailee Trapp, after which Oakli Rhodes pulled Bear River to within 5-3.

"I was just trying not to give her something that she could smack over the fence. [After the walk, I wasn't] necessarily scared, but more determined. I wanted to step up for my team," Herring said with emotion flooding into her eyes.

Herring rushed to celebrate with her teammates following the final out, adding another championship entry to her illustrious résumé.

"It doesn't get old," Herring said. "It gets even more exciting every year."

Twitter: @trevorphibbs —

Stansbury 5, Bear River 3

R Stansbury wins its third consecutive title in the school's sixth year of existence.

• Kimbri Herring closes career as the second-winningest pitcher in UHSAA history.

• Bear River rallies from deficits of 2-0 and 5-1, but can't fully close the gap.