ST. GEORGE, Utah - The Southern Utah softball team made the long trip down to St. George Wednesday night for their final game before the start of Big Sky conference play. Despite two long home runs from Javlyn Weaver and Karlee Manzione, the team was not able to overcome a four-run fifth from the Trailblazers, ultimately falling 5-4.

The Trailblazers got on the board first using a leadoff walk and two singles to score a run off of starting pitcher Hanna Wynn in the first inning. The next couple of innings were pretty quiet on both sides as the Thunderbirds outhit DSU 5-1, but neither team were able to plate another run.

In the Dixie side of the fifth, the Trailblazers exploded offensively scoring four runs on five hits including a two-run home run from catcher Jessica Gonzalez. Wynn would leave the game after pitching 4.2 innings and giving up eight hits and five runs.

The Thunderbirds answered back in the following half inning when senior Karlee Manzione singled to left field and sophomore Javlyn Weaver followed with a two-run home run to left center, cutting the Dixie State lead to three.

Down to their final three outs, Manzione stepped into the box once again in the seventh with Kendall Kapitzke on second base waiting to be brought home. The senior launched her second home run of the season over the fence in left to bring the Thunderbirds to within one run with two outs in the inning. The Trailblazers were able to hold on however, getting the final out and the 5-4 victory.

Manzione and Weaver finished the night a combined five for seven with three singles and two home runs. Weaver. Third baseman Samantha Guerra was perfect at the plate, going three for three with three singles. Freshman Samantha Guile pitched 1.1 innings of relief for the Thunderbirds giving up no runs and just two hits.

Coming Up Next

The Thunderbirds will open Big Sky play Friday at Kathryn Berg Field when they host the Northern Colorado Bears for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.

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