CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah will hit the road this weekend for a battle for I-15 down at Utah Tech. The three-game set will begin on Friday, March 27, with a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. MT. The Thunderbirds will continue the series against the Trailblazers on Saturday, March 28, at noon. Live stats for the series will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com, and all three games will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Southern Utah is coming off a 1-2 WAC opening weekend series against California Baptist and is 15-18 overall this season. The Trailblazers are 11-20 so far in 2026 and dropped their opening series to Utah Valley 1-2. 

Coach Don Don Williams Said

"This weekend's series against Utah Tech is going to be a good battle. They always compete hard and bring out the best in us. Our team is locked in, playing with confidence, and we're excited to go after those important WAC wins."

Southern Utah

The Thunderbirds' offense continues to lean on a reliable core at the top of the order, setting the tone night in and night out. Junior outfielder Taralyn Ollison has been the catalyst, hitting .336 with 38 knocks and a .364 on-base percentage, while driving in 14 runs. Close behind, junior infielder Arianna Ramirez has provided steady production of her own, batting .321 with 34 hits, including four doubles and a pair of long balls. Freshman McKenzy Becerra has supplied the thunder in the lineup, pacing the club with five home runs and 20 RBIs to go along with a team-best .490 slugging percentage. Senior Alayah Toscano has delivered in key moments, driving in 13 runs and coming through with timely extra-base hits, while Michaella Salvatierra continues to create havoc on the basepaths, scoring 19 runs and a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts, highlighted by a pair of triples. Depth has come from Kassidy Munoz and Savannah Lira, who have combined to drive in 21 runs and give the Thunderbirds a balanced, dangerous lineup from top to bottom.

In the circle, Southern Utah has leaned on a steady rotation to carry the workload. Hannah Duncan has emerged as the staff's anchor, logging 71 innings across 19 appearances and 10 starts, striking out 50 while tallying four complete games and three saves, earning WAC Pitcher of the Week honors once along the way. Avery Nielson has been equally valuable, leading the team with five wins and adding three saves over 52 innings. Riley Nielson and Delaney Baker have also played key roles, combining for 82 innings and 42 strikeouts as part of a staff that continues to search for consistency. As the Thunderbirds move into the heart of their schedule, continued growth in the circle will be key to sustaining their momentum.

Across the Diamond

Utah Tech

Utah Tech's lineup has been a tough out all season, putting together a .289 team average with a .790 OPS while consistently pressuring opposing pitching staffs. The Trailblazers are powered by Kinley Pappas, who has been nothing short of electric at the plate, hitting .469 with a 1.410 OPS, 45 hits, and 31 RBIs. She's done damage in every way imaginable, racking up 13 doubles, five triples, and six home runs while adding speed on the basepaths with eight stolen bases in eight attempts. Around her, the offense has found steady production, with Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona (.346) and Gabi Giroux (.329) providing consistency, while Summer Sanderson has made the most of her opportunities, batting .395 with three home runs and a 1.057 OPS. As a group, Utah Tech has shown pop and discipline, piling up 67 extra-base hits and 85 walks to keep innings alive and apply constant pressure.

In the circle, the Trailblazers have battled to find consistency, working to a 7.00 ERA over 188 innings. Sauren Garton has carried much of the load, making 13 starts and logging 67 innings, while Lexie Wilson has delivered results in the win column with a team-best 5-1 record. Delaney Wright has also been a key piece, striking out 37 hitters and providing valuable innings throughout the year. At times, the staff has shown the ability to compete, but limiting big innings has been a challenge, with opponents hitting .358 and capitalizing on 33 home runs and 115 walks. If Utah Tech can tighten things up in the circle, the pieces are there to complement an offense that has already proven it can keep the Trailblazers in any game.

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