CEDAR CITY, Utah - As Southern Utah softball nears its first game of the 2026 campaign, the Thunderbirds' strength begins behind the plate and in the circle. With a mix of proven veterans, returning contributors, and impressive newcomers, SUU's pitchers and catchers enter the season positioned to provide both stability and upside.
Associate Head Coach Taylor McQuillin Said
"The key with our pitching staff this season will be in its depth and versatility. All of our pitchers bring a different element to the table that pairs well with the rest of the staff. They are gritty, competitive, and always willing to improve in all aspects of their game. Most importantly, they always enter any game or situation with a calm but competitive presence. Our catchers have grown tremendously throughout the summer and fall, working hard for their pitchers behind the plate. They have expanded their knowledge of the game, put in the hard work physically, and have truly grown into the power of their voices on the field. I am excited to see all their hard work come to fruition this season."
Veteran Arms Provide Stability in the Circle
The Thunderbirds return experience at the top of the pitching staff, led by senior Delaney Baker. Baker established herself as a dependable starter in 2024, logging 83 innings with six wins, a complete game, and a save. She continued to contribute in 2025 and enters her final season as a steady presence capable of handling key innings.
Riley Nielson shifts into a pitching-only role in 2026, giving SUU another reliable arm after recording 25.2 innings, 15 strikeouts, and a complete game last season while serving in a dual role. Nielson's competitive pedigree dates back to her prep career, where she led her team to a state championship and posted 199 strikeouts with a 1.44 ERA as a senior.
Young Pitching Depth Adds Versatility
Sophomore Hannah Duncan, a transfer from Fresno State, adds Division I experience after making 19 appearances in the circle as a freshman, while Maddie Moreno returns after a promising debut season that included two saves and 13 strikeouts across 13 appearances.
The Thunderbirds also welcome a freshman class that brings immediate depth and long-term upside. Avery Nielson, Riley's younger sister, arrives with an impressive résumé that includes 44 career wins, 613 strikeouts, and a 1.69 ERA in high school, along with significant offensive production. Fellow freshman Mia Tamkoc adds command and efficiency after posting a 2.12 ERA during her senior season and striking out 115 batters against just 14 walks.
Munoz Leads Experienced Catching Group
Junior Kassidy Munoz returns as the anchor of the Thunderbirds' catching corps after two productive seasons in Cedar City. Munoz appeared in every game in 2025, finishing the year with a .266 batting average, 37 hits, and 23 RBIs while delivering timely offense throughout the season. A dependable presence in pressure moments, she led the team with four sacrifice flies and added two home runs, two stolen bases, and a .367 slugging percentage.
Munoz's consistency has been evident since her freshman season, when she hit .316 and threw out six runners attempting to steal, establishing herself as a reliable two-way contributor. Her experience and leadership will be critical as SUU works in a mix of returning and new talent behind the plate.
Sophomore Michelle De la Cruz adds depth after appearing in 30 games as a freshman, while incoming freshman Savannah Lira brings immediate intrigue. Lira arrives following a dominant prep career, highlighted by a .696 batting average, eight home runs, and an exceptionally disciplined approach at the plate, striking out just once during her senior season.
Foundation in Place for 2026
With experienced leadership, proven production, and an influx of talented newcomers, Southern Utah's pitchers and catchers form a strong foundation heading into the 2026 season. The blend of stability and competition at both positions gives the Thunderbirds flexibility and depth as they prepare to open the spring and set the tone for the year ahead.
Follow Us
Stay up to date on the Thunderbird Softball team by following @SUUSoftball on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah softball page on Facebook.
Donate
To help support Thunderbird athletics, consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support, click here
