CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds will open their conference slate on Friday, March 15, with a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. MT at Desert Hillis High School in St. George. The series will continue on Saturday, March 16, at 2:00 p.m. The series was moved south due to the expected weather for this weekend.
The Thunderbirds are coming off a hard-fought loss to UNLV last week. The Lumberjacks are 7-20 on the season and are coming off a home doubleheader sweep of Texas Southern University.
Series Information
Southern Utah vs. Stephen F. Austin
At Desert Hills High School
Friday, March 15, 2024 - Saturday, March 16, 2024
SUU vs. SFA: 3:00 p.m. MT Friday Live Stats
SUU vs. SFA: 5:30 p.m. MT Friday Live Stats
SUU vs. SFA: 2:00 p.m. MT Saturday Live Stats
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We are excited and ready to open up WAC conference play. It's been a long pre-season, and being rested and playing at home will be nice for the team."
"The WAC conference is going to be very challenging. We are looking forward to a competitive series."
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds have been led at the plate by junior Karmyna Becerra. Becerra is leading the team in batting average with .391 and an OPS of 1.034. She has eight RBIs from the leadoff spot this season and has an impressive eight doubles and two home runs so far. Junior Ariyana Miranda has been a force for the T-Birds as well. Miranda boasts a batting average of .308 on the year, with a team-leading 16 RBIs and seven home runs. Senior catcher Bella Garcia adds depth to the lineup, posting a batting average of .324 with five RBIs so far.
Southern Utah has looked to freshman pitcher Emily Delgado to start a lot this season. Delgado has pitched 56.2 innings this season, including three complete games and a shutout against UIC in the opening tournament. Delgado has a 4.82 ERA and leads the team with 35 strikeouts this season. Sophomore Delaney Baker has also been a boost for the Thunderbirds in the circle. Baker has pitched 34.1 innings this season and has ten strikeouts on the season with a 5.91 ERA.
SFA Lumberjacks
Kelby Robbins leads the Stephen F. Austin Softball team's offensive attack, maintaining a team-leading .288 batting average and a .666 OPS. She is followed closely by Madison Nguyen, who boasts a .280 average and a team-leading ten RBIs. Amiah Galcatcher complements their efforts, hitting .239 with a .666 OPS. These offensive leaders, along with home run leader Mikaelah Burkland, have fueled the team's offensive efforts this season.
The pitching staff for the Lumberjacks is anchored by Aydenne Brown, who boasts a 3.62 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP, tallying two wins and six losses across 11 appearances with nine starts. Brooke Gainous follows suit with a 4.12 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP, securing one win and six losses in 10 appearances with six starts, further supported by Alexis Telford with a 4.25 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP, garnering two wins and eight losses over 12 appearances, 10 of which were starts. Despite challenges, the pitching staff demonstrates resilience, led by Brown's 31 strikeouts and a collective total of 97 strikeouts, showcasing their dedication to keeping the Lumberjacks competitive in the circle throughout the season.
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