Viewmont 

The Vikings, winners of Region 5, had a rough start to bracket play. But the team bounced back and, as of our press time, was alive for a chance to play for a state title. 

On May 22, Viewmont faced fourth-seeded Lehi of Region 8, a team that placed fourth in its league. But the Pioneers proved to be trouble for Viewmont, as the Vikings fell 13-3. The Vikings were up 2-1 after one inning but only managed one other run the rest of the way. In the sixth inning, it was just 4-3 Lehi after the Vikings scored a run. However, Lehi added seven runs to clinch the game. Cal Miller and Braxton Brenenstall had doubles, with Brenenstall adding an RBI. 

The following day, Viewmont was on the brink of elimination in a game against Brighton. The Vikings trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth of the contest but then got a game-tying run. Then, a timely walk-off single from Luke Jacobs won the game for Viewmont. Jacobs also had a triple in the game. Siona Faeamani had a double, and Cal Miller and Brody Hopper had RBIs. 

With the win, Viewmont improved to 22-6 on the year. The Vikings faced rival Woods Cross on Thursday, after our press deadline. With a win, Viewmont would move on; however, a loss would end the team’s season. 

Woods Cross

The Wildcats have been the surprise of the Class 5A state tournament. 

Coming in as the No. 17 seed, Woods Cross had some big upsets in the playoffs. The biggest of these was in the second best-of-three series when the Wildcats shocked top-seeded Olympus two games to one. Woods Cross lost game one 17-6 but responded with wins of 11-7 and 10-8 on May 19. 

Woods Cross moved to the bracket round, facing eighth-seeded Brighton. Playing excellent defense, and getting good pitching from Harley Vicchrilli, the Wildcats won 1-0. Vicchrilli had seven strikeouts and allowed just three hits in the victory. 

Next up on May 23 was a game with No. 4 seed Lehi. The Wildcats fell behind 2-0 in the first inning and struggled against Lehi’s pitching and fielding all day. The Wildcats dropped to 15-15 on the year with a 5-0 loss. Max Moffat did have three strikeouts from the mound for Woods Cross. 

The game against Viewmont was the fourth meeting between the two Region 5 foes.