CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah softball team will hit the road this weekend for the LMU Tournament in Los Angeles, where the Thunderbirds will face Portland State and host Loyola Marymount in a four-game slate. SUU opens play against Portland State on Friday at 4:30 p.m. MT before taking on Loyola Marymount at 7:00 p.m. The teams will meet again on Saturday, with the T-Birds facing Portland State at 1:30 p.m. MT and LMU at 4:00 p.m. Both games against LMU will be streamed on ESPN+, and live stats will be available through the schedule page on suutbirds.com.

The Thunderbirds are coming off a 2-2 finish in the Orange and Black Classic at Idaho State. The Thunderbirds run-ruled the University of Maine twice but fell in close battles with Idaho State on both days of the tournament. Southern Utah is currently 11-15, with an 8-7 record in neutral-site games, heading into the final week before WAC play begins.

Coach Don Don Williams Said

"We are excited to head to the LMU Tournament this weekend for our final non-conference games against Portland State and the host Lions, giving us a prime opportunity to build momentum. These matchups will perfectly prepare us to hit the ground running when we open conference play against California Baptist next weekend."

Southern Utah

The Thunderbirds' offense has been fueled by a strong core at the top of the lineup, led by Arianna Ramirez, who is hitting a team-best .346 with 28 hits and a .398 on-base percentage through 26 games. Taralyn Ollison has continued to provide stability at the top of the order, batting .311 with 28 hits, including six doubles and two triples, while scoring 14 runs. McKenzy Becerra has delivered the biggest power threat for the T-Birds, blasting a team-high four home runs while driving in 18 runs and posting a team-leading .513 slugging percentage. Alayah Toscano has also contributed in key moments with 11 RBIs on the season, while Michaella Salvatierra has been a constant presence on the bases with 14 runs scored and a perfect 9-for-9 mark in stolen base attempts, helping create scoring opportunities for the T-Birds.

The pitching staff for the Thunderbirds has been anchored by a group of arms that have carried the bulk of the innings this season. Hannah Duncan leads the way with a team-high 51.2 innings pitched across 14 appearances and eight starts, recording 33 strikeouts and four complete games while collecting two saves. Avery Nielson has been a steady presence in the circle as well, leading the team with four wins while adding a save across 36.2 innings of work and holding opponents to a .261 batting average. Riley Nielson and Delaney Baker have also played key roles in the rotation, combining for more than 68 innings pitched and 36 strikeouts between them. The Thunderbirds' staff has continued to take on a heavy workload throughout the season and will look to build momentum in the circle heading into this week's action.

Across the Diamond

Portland State (Friday, 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 1:30 p.m.)

The Portland State Vikings have relied on a balanced offensive attack early this season, posting a .260 team batting average with 80 runs through 20 games. Grace Johnson has been the catalyst at the top of the lineup, leading the team with a .393 average and a .456 on-base percentage while also going a perfect 9-for-9 on stolen base attempts. Breanna Lutz has provided power and run production, batting .340 with four doubles, a triple, and a home run for a team-best .520 slugging percentage. Mia Martinez has been the team's primary power threat with four home runs and 12 RBIs, while Jolee Benson and Nichole Orozco have added consistent production in the middle of the order. In the circle, Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung has carried the bulk of the workload with a 4-3 record and 30 strikeouts in nearly 50 innings, while Gracie Walters has also seen significant time with 34.1 innings pitched. As a staff, the Vikings have struck out 63 batters but have battled control and contact issues, allowing a .336 opponent batting average and a 6.44 team ERA.

Loyola Marymount (Friday, 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 4:00 p.m.) 

The Lions have been one of the more productive offensive teams early this season, hitting .320 as a team with 132 runs through 25 games. Avery Francis has been the catalyst at the top of the lineup, batting a team-best .427 with 38 hits while swiping 17 bases in 19 attempts. Sydney Poole has added steady production with a .394 average and a team-high 19 RBIs. Taelor Walker and Justine Lambert have each contributed consistent contact hitting above .340. The Lions' power has come primarily from Izzy Jamgotchian, who leads the team with nine home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .770 slugging percentage. In the circle, LMU has been dominant with a 2.42 team ERA and a .221 opponent batting average. Lindsay O'Dell leads the staff with six wins and 45 strikeouts across 68.1 innings, while Sara Pinedo (1.67 ERA) and Jessie Gilbert (1.94 ERA) have both been effective options, helping the Lions build a deep and reliable pitching rotation.

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