Southern Utah University will open its conference softball schedule at home against California Baptist, starting a three-game series at the new Kathryn Berg Field, according to a March 19 announcement. The Thunderbirds enter the matchup with a 14-16 record, one of their best starts in recent years, while the Lancers arrive at 22-10 overall and have performed well on the road.
Both teams are currently among the top two in RPI within the Western Athletic Conference. This early-season success is significant for Southern Utah, as it marks their strongest opening since 2012 when they won 17 of their first 30 games.
The Thunderbirds recently finished with a 3-1 record at the Loyola Marymount Tournament, sweeping Portland State and splitting games with Loyola Marymount. Their only home games so far this season resulted in a doubleheader sweep over Weber State during the opening of Kathryn Berg Field.
Offensively, Southern Utah has relied on consistent performances from Arianna Ramirez, who leads with a .326 average and 31 hits; Taralyn Ollison, who is hitting .324 with seven doubles and two triples; and McKenzy Becerra, who leads in home runs (five) and RBIs (19). Michaella Salvatierra has contributed by scoring 16 runs and maintaining a perfect stolen base record. Additional support comes from Kassidy Munoz and Savannah Lira.
In pitching, Hannah Duncan has led with four complete games and three saves over 63 innings pitched. Avery Nielson has added five wins and two saves across more than 47 innings. Riley Nielson and Delaney Baker have also played key roles in the rotation.
California Baptist features strong hitters such as Kenzie Farrier-Pilon (.372 average) and Makayla Medellin (eight home runs, 32 RBIs), along with Malachy Russell-Millen’s power numbers. Matti Severns provides speed on the bases with 21 stolen bases out of 23 attempts. Pitcher Miranda De Nava anchors their staff with a team-leading ERA of 3.00 over more than 91 innings.
