CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah returns to Cedar City this weekend to host Utah Tech in a three-game set at Kathryn Berg Field. The rivalry series will begin on Friday, April 11, with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m. MT. The final game of the series will take place at noon on Saturday, April 12. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+, and live stat links are available on the softball schedule page.
The T-Birds are coming off a tough series against WAC conference leader Grand Canyon. The Thunderbirds have a WAC record of 4-8 and an overall record of 9-22 but have played well at home with a 4-2 record at the Berg. The Trailblazers are 14-25 on the year with a 5-10 record against WAC opponents. Utah Tech has lost its last five games.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"This weekend is what it's all about—playing for something bigger than yourself with everything on the line. It's a rivalry series, it's high stakes, and it's exactly where we want to be. Our team is locked in, and we're ready to leave it all on the field."
Southern Utah
Southern Utah's offensive engine has been driven by the standout performances of Ariyana Miranda, Michaella Salvatierra, and Arianna Ramirez. Miranda has been a steady presence in the batter's box, hitting .304 with a .413 slugging percentage, racking up 19 RBIs, and maintaining an impressive .393 on-base clip. Salvatierra has ignited the top of the order, swinging at a .327 clip and causing chaos on the bases with 17 steals in 19 tries. Meanwhile, Ramirez has added some serious pop to the lineup, slugging .505 with six doubles and four homers to her name, giving SUU a dangerous power threat in the heart of the order. Together, this trio has consistently created scoring opportunities, keeping the Thunderbirds in the hunt throughout the season.
In the circle, Keimon Winston and Emily Delgado have held down the fort with composure and reliability. Winston leads the staff with 39 strikeouts, showcasing her stamina with two complete games and a shutout on the year. Delgado has delivered time and again, posting a 3.56 ERA while limiting hitters to a .289 average. She's logged six complete games, one shutout, five victories, and a save—providing crucial innings in tight spots. With Winston's firepower and Delgado's dependable command, the Thunderbirds have had the pitching backbone to weather the storm in high-pressure matchups.
Across the Diamond
Utah Tech
Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona, who's been an absolute force at the plate, leads the Trailblazers' offense. Hitting .392 with a .981 OPS, she's racked up 47 hits and 30 RBIs. Right behind her, Cassidy Hornung has brought speed, slashing .353 with a team-best 12 stolen bases and 32 runs scored. Kinley Pappas and Marisa Rubio have added depth and pop, each hitting over .300 while combining for 70 hits and 46 RBIs. Rounding out the core, Baylee Howley and Carly Eldredge have quietly chipped in with timely hits and solid OBPs. With a team batting average of .303, the Trailblazers have proven to be one of the more well-rounded and aggressive offensive squads in the conference.
Utah Tech has leaned heavily on the arm of Sauren Garton to anchor its pitching staff. Garton has been the workhorse of the rotation, logging a team-high 104.2 innings across 26 appearances (19 starts), with seven complete games and two shutouts to her name. Despite a 5.35 ERA, she's shown resilience, leading the team in strikeouts (69) and earning six of the squad's 14 total wins. Riley Price has also provided key innings, notching 81 frames and matching Garton with six wins while adding 38 strikeouts. Lexie Wilson, with 54.2 innings pitched, rounds out the top trio, showing flashes of control and competitiveness in her 17 appearances.
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