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.
