The Juan Diego Catholic High School baseball team knows what it’s like to win the 3A baseball title as the Soaring Eagle squad went undefeated through the tournament last year, beating American Leadership Academy 8-1 for the trophy. They also now know what second place feels like as they were again there at the end before falling to top-ranked Juab 7-4 at Kearns High School May 13.

Juan Diego won its game against Richfield 12-2 in the first round before losing to No. 3 Canyon View 7-0. Going back up through the one-loss bracket, the team outscored opponents 41 to 10 with wins over ALA 16-0, Summit Academy 9-4, Manti 6-1, Canyon View 5-3 and No. 2 Carbon 5-2 to reach the championship.

“We knew, after losing a game on the first day, that repeating as champions was going to be a very tough road,” said JDCHS head coach Taylor Berg. “I was beyond proud of our team for pulling together all week, winning five games in a row to put us back in the championship game. We ran into a very good Juab team that was well coached, played well all week and took home the title. It was very well deserved.”

Senior pitcher/infielder Malik Harris and junior pitcher/first baseman/outfielder Andrew Lombana both drove in six runs in postseason play to lead the Soaring Eagle team. Junior outfielder Matt Odell, sophomore pitcher/third baseman Castle Huggard and freshman pitcher/third baseman Lange Livonius each recorded three RBIs to also contribute offensively.

“I think it takes a certain amount of mental toughness to do what we did, especially as young as we were overall,” Berg said. “We had three freshmen starting in the championship game, and four if you count our speed-up runner for the pitchers. We came together and leaned on our culture of ‘family’ to get us to that final game. I couldn’t be more proud of the players and staff for believing in each other and playing one pitch at a time.”

Also on the JDCHS team that went undefeated through Region 15 and finished with a 19-10 record were seniors Uzi Alvarez and Carlos Calata; juniors Zach Carlson, Caden Fenger, Kayson Larson and Daniel Nunez; sophomores Gavin Brady, Eamonn Dolan, Wyatt Hanna, Hayden Mezenen, Alex Modtland and Dean Siegel; and freshmen Anthony Bonacci, Kael Buck, Nash Crowther, Parker Evans, Brenden Hankins, Maddox Lahue, Tage McKinley, Nick Richardson and Richard Rodriguez.

“We were a very complete team this year, meaning we got contributions from just about everyone in the program,” Berg said. “Of the 24 players on the roster, we had 18 young men earn a varsity letter this season. The team effort was amazing all year and even our dugout during games, for those not playing, was outstanding. I am super proud of the way we overcame adversity all year and played our best ball of the year in the playoffs.”

Berg, who just completed his fourth year leading his alma mater, was assisted by Danny Larson, Kendall Hanson, Brock Garn and Parker Lee on the coaching staff this season along with athletic trainer Sola Yaeger and athletic director Ted Bianco.

“This year’s Juan Diego baseball group was one I will never forget,” Berg said. “I love this team and the staff, including the support from administration and fellow coaches throughout the school. It truly is a community and family here at Juan Diego.” λ