PORTLAND, Oregon - The Southern Utah softball team fell 2-0 to Portland State in the series finale, during what many considered a complete pitchers' duel.

The Thunderbirds came up empty-handed for the weekend, as Portland State improved their conference record to 8-4 this season.

Portland State ace Olivia Grey started in the circle for the Vikings for the second time this weekend; similar to her first start, Jayne Speulveda drew a one-out walk, giving SUU a baserunner in the top of the first.

Grey was able to retire the next two Southern Utah batters, though, ending the half inning and giving the Vikings their first opportunity at the plate.

Payton Goodrich started on the mound for SUU for the second consecutive game, and she was locked in from the first pitch.

Goodrich retired the first three batters she faced, setting the tone for one of her best performances of the season.

After a Southern Utah three up, three down in the top of the second, Paetynn Lopez earned a leadoff walk for the Vikings to start the bottom of the inning. A wild pitch advanced Lopez to second base, putting a runner in scoring position for PSU. 

Goodrich retired the next two batters; but, Lopez was able to make her way to third base on a groundout, and a single in the next at-bat plated the first run of the game, giving PSU a 1-0 lead.

Amyah Boostedt started things off for SUU in the top of the third frame by working the count and drawing a leadoff walk.

After a strikeout in the next at-bat, Gianna Carosone laced a single to center field, giving Southern Utah their first hit of the game and advancing Boostedt to second. A deep flyout from Sepulveda allowed both runners to tag up and advance to second and third; unfortunately, a strikeout ended the inning.

Goodrich got back in her groove during the bottom of the third, as she allowed just one hit over the next three innings of work. The score remained 1-0, in favor of PSU, heading into the bottom of the sixth. 

The Vikings were able to plate an unearned run in the sixth frame, extending their lead to 2-0 entering the final inning.

Makenna Calderon singled on a bunt for the second consecutive game to start the top of the seventh for the T-Birds; but, three consecutive flyouts ended the game and the series, as Portland State secured the weekend sweep in close fashion.

Goodrich took the loss for Southern Utah, but she finished with an impressive statline of five innings pitched, while allowing just two hits and one run.

Up Next 

Southern Utah will return home to face in-state foe and future WAC opponent, Dixie State, this Tuesday, concluding the season series between the two schools. First pitch is set for 3 PM MT and the game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.

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