CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah is set to open Western Athletic Conference play this weekend with a three-game series against Tarleton State. While the games were initially set to take place at Kathryn Berg Field, inclement weather has already forced changes to the schedule. Friday's game will be played at 2:00 p.m. MT at Karl Brooks Field in St. George. Saturday will feature a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. MT, tentatively scheduled to be played in Cedar City. Live stats will be available for all games but streaming will only be available for games played in Cedar City.
The Thunderbirds are coming off a 2-3 weekend against tough competition in the Fresno State Tournament. Southern Utah took both games against CSU Bakersfield but fell in games against the University of California and Fresno State. Tarleton State also went 2-3 last week, splitting games with Memphis and Southeast Missouri and falling to the host school, the University of Louisiana Monroe. Southern Utah enters the series with a 5-14 record while the Texans currently sit at 13-8.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Preseason gave us an opportunity for feedback and growth. The team is ready to get into WAC conference play to open up this weekend."
Southern Utah
The Southern Utah's offense has been fueled by the consistent performances of Michaella Salvatierra, Arianna Ramirez, and Ariyana Miranda. Salvatierra has been a spark plug at the top of the lineup, leading the team with a .298 batting average and swiping 13 bases in 15 attempts. Ramirez has been a force at the plate, hitting .296 with a team-high .426 slugging percentage, delivering timely extra-base hits, including four doubles and a home run. Miranda has been one of the most disciplined hitters in the lineup, boasting a team-best .406 on-base percentage while driving in 10 runs. With their ability to get on base and generate offense, this trio has been the backbone of the Thunderbirds' lineup, keeping them competitive throughout the preseason.
The Thunderbirds' pitching staff has been anchored by the duo of Keimon Winston and Emily Delgado, who have shouldered the bulk of the workload this season. Winston leads the team in innings pitched with 48.2, posting a team-high 29 strikeouts. Her ability to go deep into games has been crucial, recording two complete games and a shutout. Delgado has been equally reliable, boasting a 3.72 ERA over 37.2 innings while holding opponents to a .299 batting average. She has also contributed two complete games and a shutout while picking up a win and a save. Despite some struggles in the circle, the Thunderbirds' pitching staff has shown flashes of dominance, and their ability to limit damage will be key as they continue their season.
Across the Diamond
Tarleton State
Austin Germain has been a standout performer for Tarleton State this season, boasting a .426 batting average and a team-leading 1.132 OPS. She has recorded 29 hits, including nine doubles and a home run, contributing 12 RBIs and a strong .632 slugging percentage. Kalyn Hill has also been a key asset, hitting .379 with a 1.046 OPS, tallying six doubles, and two home runs while driving in 13 runs. Jaelynn Duke has been another powerful force in the lineup, slashing .362 with a team-best .638 slugging percentage, producing seven doubles and three home runs. Additionally, Tristyn Trull has shown versatility, leading the team with 19 RBIs and four home runs, while Casey Schultz has added consistency with a .333 average and 13 RBIs. These players have anchored an offense that collectively maintains a .312 team batting average, putting up an impressive 118 runs in the preseason.
The Texans' pitching staff has been a steady force this season, keeping opposing offenses in check with a collective 3.23 ERA and 148 strikeouts. Hannah Blincoe has been a standout, leading the team with 37.1 innings pitched while posting a sharp 3.19 ERA and a dominant .194 opponent batting average. She's been efficient and reliable, tossing a complete-game shutout and picking up a save along the way. Shelby Schultz has been the team's strikeout leader, fanning 58 batters in 43.1 innings while securing a 5-2 record. Kynlee Marquez has been a difference-maker when called upon, boasting a team-best 2.06 ERA and a complete-game shutout. Meanwhile, Sadie Beck and Alexa Rehmeier have locked things down late, combining for four saves and providing crucial depth.
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