Softball season promises stiff competion
Photo by Robert Stevens.
The 2026 high school softball season is underway, and Sanpete County teams enter the spring with experienced lineups and expectations to compete in both 3A and 2A.
In Class 3A, North Sanpete and Manti anchor the local field, while Gunnison Valley looks to build on a strong year in 2A.
North Sanpete
North Sanpete opens the season as one of the region’s top teams. The Hawks went 17-13 last year and tied for first in region play at 12-2. They averaged 7.1 runs per game and allowed just 4.7, one of the top defensive marks in 3A.
Head coach Landon Bailey enters his ninth season leading the program. North Sanpete returns a veteran core that includes seniors Mylee Cook, Afton Cook and Autumn Oldroyd. Junior catcher Rylee Stewart and sophomore pitcher Kaecee Johnson also return, along with junior pitcher Kaylee Cook and several other contributors expected to step into larger roles.
The Hawks advanced to bracket play a year ago before being eliminated and will look to turn experience into a deeper postseason run this spring.
Manti
Photo by Robert Stevens.
Manti finished 10-20 last season but posted an 8-6 mark in region play. The Templars averaged 6 runs per game and allowed 8.1.
Head coach Belinda Osborn enters her fourth year. Manti returns senior pitcher and center fielder Danie Alder along with junior catcher Paislee Clark. Juniors Dakoda Cheney and Chloe Olson return in the infield, while Aidali Orozco and Carlie Rasmussen add pitching depth. Sophomore Gabi Scottorn also returns in the circle.
For Manti, consistency in the circle and cutting down defensive runs will be key to moving up the standings.
Gunnison Valley
In Class 2A, Gunnison Valley enters the year after a 21-11 season and a second-place finish in region play at 9-3. The Bulldogs averaged 9 runs per game and allowed 4.9.
Head coach Josh Ha’o enters his third season. Gunnison returns Atley Coates at shortstop along with infielders Molli Barney and Mazie Hunt. Rylee Bartholomew and Kristen Bartholomew add pitching and outfield experience.
The Bulldogs advanced to bracket play last season before being eliminated and return enough talent to compete near the top of 2A again.
Region play in both classifications is expected to be competitive, with several experienced rosters across 3A and 2A. For Sanpete County teams, the focus now shifts to the long stretch of the spring schedule, where pitching depth and steady defense will likely determine who remains in contention in May.