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Playoff softball can be emotionally — every game feels so important in the moment. That's what makes senior Lauryn Kirschner's approach to the game so refreshing.

The Layton third baseman, one of the best hitters in Class 5A, may have been the difference between winning and losing against Taylorsville last Thursday. As Kirschner was rounding the bases, the base coach stopped her at third. She lost her footing and dove back to touch the base and was tagged.

It was a close call. After some deliberation, she was called out. Taylorsville went on to win 2-1.

At the end of the game, Taylorsville coach Rich Kaelin wanted to talk to her and commend her performance. Kirschner, still emotional, blew him off. She said thanks and went back to her team.

She also felt terrible about it. At home, she asked her dad, Evan, to find Kaelin's email. She wrote him an apology and thanked him for the compliment. Kaelin replied the next morning and said he wasn't just impressed with her as a player, but her as a person.

"Lauryn is successful because she has a good perspective on life and the game," Evan Kirschner said. "On the field, she's all about the game, but once she's off she knows it's just a game."

Kirschner starting playing softball to be like her big sister, Kylie. Though Kylie eventually stopped playing, Lauryn never did. And her dad, a fastpitch coach for 12 years, helped her grow.

"My dad has always been there for me," Kirschner said. "He's always been my personal coach — helped me with hitting and throwing and my technique. One of my favorite things is still throwing the ball with him and practicing on our own."

The extra time paid off, and other teams took notice. Opposing pitchers started throwing around Kirschner. Despite that, she had two games this year with multiple home runs and hit 10 doubles.

Salt Lake Community College also took notice. Coach Mary Kay Amicone called to offer a scholarship earlier this year, and Kirschner happily accepted.

"Getting to play with such a high-caliber coach is such an honor," Kirschner said. "The players there are high-skill players, and coach Amicone is one of the best coaches in the nation."

Kirschner hopes to put in a couple of years at SLCC and finish her college career at BYU, following in the footsteps of her dad. Evan joined the swimming team at BYU after winning the NJCAA championship in the 1650 free at Diablo Valley College. Big Game

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Class 5A softball championship • Thursday, May 24, 5 p.m. The best in the state compete in the final game of the year. All five Davis County teams that made the playoffs this year won at least one game in the tournament.

Big Player

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Tyler Murdock, Weber boys' soccer • The senior forward was a huge part of the Warriors' playoff run. In the first round, Murdock had a hat trick in Weber's 4-1 victory over Jordan and added another goal in a 2-1 defeat of Lehi in the second round.

Big Number

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17Weber's McKenna Bull saved her best for last. The Warriors ace pitcher had a career-high 17 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over Riverton in the 5A playoffs. Bull only allowed three hits on the night.