Jones rises to pinnacle as senior

Two years ago, Karlyn Jones was something of an understudy as teammate Mallary Darby pitched Spanish Springs' softball team to its second straight Class 4A state title.

When her time came to take over in the circle, Jones was more than ready for the spotlight.

The senior right-hander went 24-1 with a 0.46 ERA this season, leading the Cougars to another state crown and earning the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Class 4A state player of the year award.

"Karlyn is a student of the game," Spanish Springs coach Jeff Davidson said. "She came out this year and just pitched phenomenally."

The record and ERA are beyond impressive, but they're not close to the most mind-boggling statistics Jones posted.

In 152 innings, the 5-foot-8-inch pitcher walked just three batters and struck out 229.

"She's able to locate her pitches," Davidson said. "She can move the ball in and out and up and down. She puts the ball where it needs to be."

It gets better.

After allowing seven earned runs in a doubleheader against Reno on March 20, Jones gave up just one more earned run the rest of the season -- and that came in the state championship game against Damonte Ranch.

In her final 118 innings of the season, Jones allowed the one earned run and struck out 190.

She posted at least 10 strikeouts in a game 14 times.

Junior pitcher Danica Arterburn will probably take over for Jones next year. Arterburn posted a 0.14 ERA in 51 innings, as Davidson was able to give Jones plenty of rest.

"They were a great combination," said Davidson, whose team outscored its opposition 318-18 and finished 33-1.

As dominating as Jones was in the circle, her contributions weren't limited to the field. She also hit .485 with four home runs and 43 RBIs.

Jones has signed to play for the University of Pittsburgh.

Contact prep sports reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.