Playing in the most competitive, deepest region in the state, the Herriman softball team was well-equipped to win some games in the Class 6A state tournament. 

The Mustangs proved this and more by reaching the 6A state semifinals, narrowly missing a chance to play for a state title. Herriman fell to Region 2 rival Bingham 10-6 on May 22, ending their season with an overall record of 23-6. 

A young team, Herriman had different players step up in the tournament, as the second-seeded Mustangs defeated Corner Canyon in a pair of games in the super regionals. Both games ended in blowout 15-0 victories. Four different players hit home runs in the win, as Herriman defeated the Chargers for the fourth time this season. The victory sent the Mustangs to double-elimination bracket play. There, Herriman lost to Fremont but responded with a win over Lehi (9-5). Then, in a rematch, Herriman took care of Fremont 5-4 on May 22. Head coach Heidi McKissick had a glowing review of her team’s effort in the playoffs.

“The team performed admirably at the state tournament,” McKissick said. “Despite the absence of a senior player, many of our girls stepped up to fill the gap and contribute to the team’s success. It was impressive to see different players rise to the occasion, showcasing their skills and determination.”

The loss to Fremont in bracket play was a setback, though the team fought to stay alive in the one-loss bracket. Still, the early defeat put the pressure on the Mustangs to win a lot of games in a short span. 

“To advance further in the state tournament, winning the first game against Fremont was crucial,” McKissick said. “The current bracket system poses a significant challenge: if a team loses on the second day, they must win three games to reach the finals. This requirement is nearly unattainable, as evidenced by our experience where it took seven hours to complete two games, with an additional two and a half hours needed for a potential third game. This scheduling disparity is particularly evident when compared to the boys baseball schedule, which does not require such an intensive play schedule in one day.”

Herriman’s revenge victory over Fremont saw the team get up 3-0 after one inning. Herriman was up 4-1 heading into the third, but Fremont tied things up with three runs. Facing the prospect of going to an eighth inning, the Mustangs scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh. McKenzie Quintero hit a home run and drove in a run. 

McKissick couldn’t say enough about the play of Quintero. But she was hardly the only Mustang to stand out. Teammates Sofia Lancaster and Ayvree Egelund “excelled with their batting, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive power,” McKissick said. The 11th-year coach also praised freshman Ashlyn Beratto, Sierra Prescott, Keira Rodriguez and Sammy Nelson. 

“[Beratto] consistently pitched well throughout the season and carried the team,” she said. “Despite recovering from a broken foot, [Prescott] delivered a strong performance. [Rodriguez] and [Nelson] had an outstanding defensive season, making crucial plays.”

In its final game, Herriman gave its all against Bingham, a team it had split the regular-season series with and tied for second in Region 2 with a 7-3 mark. In the semifinals, the teams were tied at 3-3 after one inning. Herriman scored twice in the third to go ahead 5-3. But it was all Bingham from there, as the Miners outscored the Mustangs 7-1 the rest of the way. In a losing effort, Quintero was fantastic, hitting a pair of home runs and recording three RBI. Tanzie Smith hit a double and drove in a run. 

Earlier in the tournament, Egelund also hit home runs in consecutive games. McKissick pointed out these players’ home runs as being highlights of the tournament. 

“These provided thrilling moments for the team and spectators,” she said.

Though the Mustangs didn’t quite reach the top by winning a state title, McKissick was pleased with her players’ hard work. She said the girls focused all season to get better and overcame a lot of adversity to put together a successful, memorable season. 

“What stands out most about this season is how the team continually improved with each game,” she said. “The players fought hard and demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork.”

Keep a close eye on the Mustangs next season. Herriman brings back a lot of firepower and experience, making it a favorite to win the state crown. 

Herriman will only lose one starter from the 2024 squad, so McKissick is confident in the girls’ chances. There’s no reason to believe the Mustangs won’t once again be a force in the 6A ranks. 

“With almost the entire squad returning, Herriman is poised to be a strong contender for the 2025 state championship,” she said. “Although Tanzie Smith will be graduating early, the team will benefit from multiple pitchers and strong batting capabilities.”

Of course, just because the Mustangs had a good season in 2024 and bring back virtually the entire roster, success won’t come automatically. McKissick knows the girls will have to commit to improving and developing their game. The next few months will be critical as the Mustangs prepare to build off this past season. 

“The girls need to continually work on improving their skills and maintain confidence in their abilities and know they are capable of achieving great things,” she said.  λ