CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah is traveling north to Utah Valley this weekend to take on the Wolverines in the final WAC series of the regular season. The teams will square off with a doubleheader on Friday, May 2, beginning at 3:00 p.m. MT. The series finale will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m. MT. The games will be broadcast on ESPN+, and live stats can be found on the schedule page.
The T-Birds are fresh from winning their final home stand against UT Arlington, improving their record to 10-11 in the WAC. Southern Utah currently sits in fifth place in the standings with one weekend of conference play left. The Wolverines are also coming into the weekend hot off a road sweep of Seattle. Utah Valley sits at 8-12 in conference play and is currently the eighth-place team. Both teams enter this weekend's series with a lot at stake as they aim to improve their seeding for next week's WAC Tournament.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"These games mean a lot - we have worked hard to put ourselves in a position to finish strong, and this series is an opportunity for us to lock in a 3rd place finish. Our team knows what's at stake, and we are ready to compete."
Player of the Week
Southern Utah sophomore Arianna Ramirez has been named the WAC Player of the Week for the second time this season following a dominant performance in the Thunderbirds' final home series against UT Arlington. Ramirez went on a tear at the plate, collecting nine hits—including three singles, three doubles, and three home runs—and driving in 11 RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam and two two-run homers. She posted an astounding .846 on-base percentage and a 2.755 OPS during the series. Ramirez has been especially dominant at home, batting .595 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs this season, fueling SUU's momentum heading into the WAC tournament.
Southern Utah
Southern Utah's offense has thrived behind a dependable group of hitters, with freshman standout Michaella Salvatierra setting the tone at the top of the lineup. She's batting .370 on the season, collecting 50 hits, scoring 28 runs, and leading the team with 20 stolen bases. Powering the middle of the order is Arianna Ramirez, who boasts a .368 average and a team-best 1.085 OPS. Ramirez has crushed nine home runs and driven in 36 runs, establishing herself as the team's primary power source. Amyah Boostedt has added consistent production with a .286 average, six doubles, and 15 RBIs, while Ariyana Miranda contributes with timely hitting, racking up 37 hits and 26 RBIs. Together, this offensive core has driven Southern Utah's attack, combining for over 100 hits and close to 90 RBIs.
In the circle, the Thunderbirds are led by sophomore Emily Delgado, who tops the team in wins and innings pitched across 27 appearances. She's thrown eight complete games and one shutout, showcasing her endurance and control. Partnering with her is Keimon Winston, whose mix of starting and relief outings has brought versatility and stability. Her poise in high-pressure situations has made her a key asset to the rotation. Together, Delgado and Winston have accounted for nearly all of Southern Utah's victories, anchoring the team's pitching efforts throughout the season.
Across the Diamond
Utah Valley
Utah Valley's offense has been anchored by a dangerous trio at the top of the lineup, with Emma Haygood setting the tone. The junior has been red-hot all season, slashing .374 with a 1.008 OPS, adding eight doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBIs in just 99 at-bats. Right behind her is Britney Moreno, the engine of the lineup, batting .350 with 49 hits, 24 RBIs, and six stolen bases, proving to be both a table-setter and a run producer. Megan Gibbs brings the power, leading the team in OPS (1.014) and walks (30), while belting six home runs and driving in 23. Peyton Hall and Amber Rodriguez have chipped in with timely hits and steady production, while Angelique Mann adds speed and extra-base potential with eight doubles and eight stolen bags. This core has fueled the Wolverines' offense all season long, giving opposing pitchers plenty to worry about every time through the order.
Utah Valley's pitching staff has leaned heavily on Avery Sapp, who's logged 122 innings with 91 strikeouts and nine wins, including eight complete games. Despite a 4.76 ERA, Sapp has been the most reliable arm in a staff that's struggled with consistency. Cam Davis has chipped in with 25 appearances and a save, while Lily Riley and Payge Armendariz round out the rotation. The group owns a 5.43 team ERA and has battled control issues, but with Sapp leading the charge, the Wolverines have a chance to stay competitive when she's in the circle.
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