Southern Utah softball completes series sweep over Abilene Christian with 5-3 win

Don Don Williams, Head Coach at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Women's Softball
Don Don Williams, Head Coach at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Women's Softball
0Comments

Southern Utah University’s softball team secured a series sweep against Abilene Christian with a 5-3 victory on Saturday, April 18. The Thunderbirds improved their season record to 19-23 and now hold a 5-7 mark in Western Athletic Conference play.

The outcome matters for Southern Utah as it strengthens their position within the conference and builds momentum ahead of upcoming matchups. The win also reflects the team’s strong performance both offensively and defensively during the series.

Arianna Ramirez led the Thunderbirds at the plate, going three-for-three with two runs batted in. Teammates McKenzy Becerra, Kassidy Munoz, and Michaella Salvatierra each contributed two hits. Becerra continued her standout weekend by driving in a run with a double. In total, Southern Utah collected ten hits during the game.

Pitcher Hannah Duncan started for Southern Utah and earned the win after pitching four innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three batters. Senior Delaney Baker pitched just over two innings in relief, giving up one earned run on three hits. Freshman Avery Nielson closed out the game to pick up her first save along with a strikeout.

The Thunderbirds took an early lead in the first inning following key plays from Taralyn Ollison, Salvatierra, Becerra, Ramirez, and Munoz that resulted in three runs before Abilene Christian ended the threat with a double play. The Wildcats responded with an inside-the-park home run in the third inning but were held off by Southern Utah’s defense.

Abilene Christian narrowed the gap to one run in the fifth inning before Southern Utah answered back immediately through consecutive hits capped by another RBI single from Ramirez. A late insurance run came after Ollison tripled and Salvatierra drove her home for a 5-2 lead heading into the final frame.

Abilene Christian rallied again in their last at-bat but was held to one more run as Nielson entered to secure Southern Utah’s victory.

Looking ahead, Southern Utah will travel next weekend for another Western Athletic Conference matchup against UT Arlington starting April 24.



Related

Chris Pfatenhauer, Head Coach at Utah Tech Trailblazers Men's Baseball

Hudson Manwaring named Western Athletic Conference baseball player of the week

Utah Tech junior outfielder Hudson Manwaring was named Western Athletic Conference Baseball Player of the Week after an impressive series against UT Arlington. He batted .714 with multiple extra-base hits and raised his season average significantly heading into the final week.

Averi Rutherford, Head Coach at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Women's Dance Team

Southern Utah University Dance Team announces tryouts for 2026–27 season

Southern Utah University Dance Team has announced tryouts for its upcoming season set for late May. Candidates will need strong technical skills across multiple dance styles as well as commitment to practices and university events.

Boston Vest

Which ex-high school standouts featured in South Utah will compete on Tuesday, May 12?

These former South Utah area high school standouts will be competing on Tuesday, May 12.

Trending

The Weekly Newsletter

Sign-up for the Weekly Newsletter from South Utah News.