WXHS softball dominates in first game to begin season
Mar 12, 2025 12:35PM ● By Catherine Garrett
The Woods Cross High softball team went back to the fundamentals of the sport after a winless Region 5 season – and just two total wins – a year ago.
“We just got back to basics, focusing a lot on breaking down hitting and throwing forms,” said head coach Casey Plowman, who is in her eighth year. “The goal is to get 1% better every day.”
Six juniors return to lead the squad this spring in utility players Audrey Ayala and Tina Tuakiapimahu, catcher/pitcher Savannah Juggert, outfielder Kaylee Moen and infielders Rylee Feller and Ashlynn Nelson. They will join freshman pitcher Bree Benson and freshman infielder Katelyn Hall as expected contributors to get things going for the Wildcats.
“I am really excited for this season,” Plowman said. “A lot of the girls put a lot of time in the off season to get more game experience. We have some key players coming back and adding some new ones.”
Woods Cross started the season off with quite the statement in a 15-0 win over East March 4. Benson threw a complete game, striking out seven Leopards batters. Ayala went 3-for-3, driving in four runs with Tuakiapimahu and sophomore Whitney Winegar each recording two RBIs in 2-for-2 plate appearances. Nelson also had three RBIs, Moen two and junior Bahiyyih Hemos one to account for the scoring in the big win.
“It was a great game for us to kick off the season,” Plowman said. “It was fun to watch it all come together during our first game. Our new young girls are learning quickly, asking great questions and they all get excited about all the little things. There is great energy so far and I’m excited to see where it takes us this year!”
The Wildcats are also scheduled to play Green Canyon, Mountain View, Summit Academy, Skyline, Highland and Olympus along with Region 5 home-and-away games against Bonneville, Roy, Clearfield, Bountiful, Viewmont, Northridge and Box Elder.
Also on the 2025 squad are juniors Rylee Feller and Savannah Juggert ; sophomores McKenzie Barton, Jerrica Bolkeim, Kailah Feliciano, Makala Fusselman, Terra Hammar, Aiva Lloyd, Hazel Maxwell, Elli Temple and Ellie Truma; and freshmen Bree Benson and Katelyn Hall.