The Hive Sports

by James Tate

In their first playoff series, the number three-ranked West Field Longhorns (17-4) completed a two-game-to-none sweep of Region 11 foe SkyView Bobcats (12-20). They dominated the first game with a score of 17-2, followed by a 12-2 victory in the second game. With this success, the Longhorns advance to bracket play of the state tournament, where they will face the sixth-ranked Cedar Reds (24-5).

Throughout the series against the Bobcats, the Longhorns showcased timely hitting and exceptional pitching. Junior third baseman Kam Bell had a standout performance, going 3-for-5 at the plate with four runs batted in (RBIs) and scoring three runs, with all her hits being doubles.

In the circle, freshman pitcher Brinklee Hadley excelled, winning both games and striking out 10 batters. Hadley also contributed offensively, hitting 4-for-5 with three RBIs. However, her performance as a pitcher truly made an impact.

Head coach Mandy Koford and the Longhorns secured their eighth consecutive win while holding their opponents to two runs or less throughout this winning streak.

Brinklee Hadley

First game

In the opening game, the Longhorns quickly established a 6-0 lead in the first inning, followed by another nine runs in the second, putting the Bobcats in a deep hole. Junior Kam Bell and freshman Clair Nessen each scored three runs, with Bell hitting two doubles. Nessen recorded three hits and three RBIs. Hadley dominated the Bobcats’ lineup, recording eight strikeouts.

Playing for the team and focusing on each pitch and situation was key in the series win.

“This team is a very special one, and I think what has brought us success all season is the team chemistry,” Hadley said. “We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and want each other to succeed. We knew if we wanted to beat Sky View and advance to the next round, we had to really come together as a team and have each other’s backs. This is going to be our approach for next week. We will just take it game by game.”

Kam Bell

Second game

Bell provided the spark in the first inning with a base-clearing double, helping the Longhorns to an early 4-0 lead.

“Going up to the plate, I knew that we needed to score a few runs,” said Bell. “I was just patient and wasn’t chasing anything. I waited for the pitch to come into my zone and just swung for a base hit.”

The Bobcats responded in the second inning with a home run from sophomore Brylee Andrus. However, the Longhorns held a 6-1 lead after adding two runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Longhorns continued to dominate, scoring six runs in the bottom of the third inning for a commanding 12-1 lead.

“Our team is a fighting team,” Bell said. “We want to prove everyone wrong and show everyone we can make it far in state. So we start off each game strong and come out ready to win. We also have lots of energy in the field and while we are hitting.”

Bobcats sophomore third baseman Eliza Birman hit a double to score their final run of the game. A flyout on the third out of the top of the fourth inning ended the contest, with the Longhorns winning 12-2.

Top hitters for the Longhorns included junior Ayzlee Sessions, who went 3-for-4 and scored three runs. Shortstop Brylee Leatherwood went 2-for-2 with four RBIs. Bell’s double in the first inning drove in three runs, while Hadley and Nessen each contributed with two hits.

Next

The Longhorns will face the sixth-ranked Cedar Reds in bracket play of the 4A UHSAA state softball championship at Spanish Fork. The Bobcats, meanwhile, will retain a significant portion of their roster for the 2026 season as they prepare for the departure of four seniors due to graduation.

stats from

photos courtesy of James Tate