Southern Utah University announced on Apr. 22 that its women’s softball team will travel to face UT Arlington in a three-game Western Athletic Conference (WAC) series beginning April 24. The series starts with a Friday doubleheader at noon Mountain Time and concludes Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Fans can follow live stats via the team’s schedule page on suutbirds.com, and all games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
This matchup holds significance for conference tournament seeding as Southern Utah currently sits in fourth place in the standings, just behind UT Arlington. The Thunderbirds enter the weekend after sweeping Abilene Christian in three games at home last week. Freshman McKenzy Becerra earned national and conference Player of the Week honors for her performance during that sweep.
Southern Utah’s offense has been led by junior Arianna Ramirez, who is batting .379 with 50 hits and a .423 on-base percentage while driving in 23 runs this season. Taralyn Ollison follows closely with a .317 average and leads the team with eight doubles and three triples among her 44 hits. Becerra tops the squad with seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .574 slugging percentage. Senior Alayah Toscano has contributed with timely hitting for 17 RBIs, while Michaella Salvatierra has scored 25 runs and is perfect in stolen base attempts this year.
In pitching, sophomore Hannah Duncan leads Southern Utah’s staff with a team-high 82 innings pitched and has recorded four complete games along with three saves across various roles. Freshman Avery Nielson holds a team-best record of six wins against three losses plus four saves; Riley Nielson adds depth with three wins of her own; senior Delaney Baker boasts five victories including an early-season two-hit shutout against Maine.
UT Arlington brings strong offensive numbers into the series led by Dee McClarity (.347 average), Peyton Holland (12 home runs), Mia McNulty (12 home runs), Marley Neises (seven home runs), Valeria Feeney (.364 average), and Kaylee Schweitzer (.361 average). Their pitching rotation is anchored by Madi McDonnell—who leads the staff in innings—and Maddie Furniss who carries an eight-win record along with most strikeouts on their roster.
The outcome of this series could have important implications as both teams look to improve their positions ahead of the WAC tournament.
