ETV News stock photo by Jeff Barrett
Although there will be a lot of changes underway at Emery High this spring, especially structurally after the school bond passed, there will not be a lot of changes to Spartan softball. A total of 12 returning starters are back on the roster, including six seniors.
Emery is looking to fill a couple of outfield positions, but the infield is entirely intact from a season ago. In the circle, the Spartans expect to be solid with three senior pitchers and one junior pitcher.
“We’re pretty deep,” said Shaun Bell, head coach, when talking about pitching. On the offensive side of the plate, Bell added, “We are a stronger hitting team this year than last year.”
While there are a lot of familiar faces, there will be some new faces as well, including Dallin Johnson, a new assistant coach. Junior outfielder Brinley Luke will also be joining the team after her family moved from Price.
“She played at Carbon and will be a great asset to our team,” stated Bell. The Spartans are also bringing back former player Bailey (Huggard) Mortensen to assist the group.
With all the returning experience, Emery expects to play for a region title. Grand and Carbon will be tough competition, but the Lady Spartans are ready for the battle. The Spartans may have to finish their season from the Huntington Sports Complex due to the aforementioned construction, but that will not deter this experienced crew.