CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds are on the road again this week following the bye. Southern Utah will take on Tarleton State in Texas, opening the weekend set with a doubleheader at 3:00 p.m. MT on Friday, April 10. The T-Birds continue the series against the Texans on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. MT. Live stats for the games will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com, and the games will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Southern Utah is coming off a bye week and looking to show off a refreshed look, having had a chance to rest and prepare for this series. The T-Birds are 2-4 in conference games so far, with an overall record of 16-20. Tarleton State has posted a 25-17 record in the 2026 campaign with an even 3-3 mark against WAC foes. 

Coach Don Don Williams Said

"We're excited to face a strong Tarleton team this weekend in what should be a fun, competitive series. Our squad is focused, prepared, and ready to compete at a high level."

Southern Utah

Southern Utah has leaned on a steady rotation to carry the workload so far this year. Sophomore Hannah Duncan has led the staff this season, logging 72.1 innings across 20 appearances and 11 starts. Duncan has struck out 51 while recording four complete games and three saves. Freshman Avery Nielson has been a great addition to this year's staff, leading the team with five wins and adding three saves over 54.2 innings. The T-Birds have counted on the experience of Riley Nielson and Delaney Baker as well, who have each pitched over forty innings. The veteran pair has combined for 45 strikeouts, adding to their leadership value. The pitching staff could play a crucial role in grabbing some momentum this week in Texas. 

The offense continues to rely on the core at the top of the order. Junior infielder Arianna Ramirez has led the team, hitting .339 with 39 base knocks and a .382 on-base percentage, while driving in 19 runs. Close behind her, junior outfielder Taralyn Ollison has been a steady contributor, batting .331 with 40 hits, including a team-leading eight doubles and a pair of triples. Freshman McKenzy Becerra has been the power bat in the lineup, pacing the squad with five home runs and 21 RBIs to go along with a team-best .505 slugging percentage. Senior Alayah Toscano has delivered in key moments, driving in 14 runs. Sophomore Michaella Salvatierra continues to create scoring opportunities on the basepaths, crossing the plate 21 times and delivering a perfect 9-for-9 stolen base attempts. Kassidy Munoz and Savannah Lira, who have added depth with a combined 27 RBIs, are also capable of breaking out to help the T-Birds produce runs in the back half of the lineup. 

Across the Diamond

Tarleton State

Tarleton State's offense rolls in with depth from top to bottom, sparked by Mikayla Wilson's team-best .366 average and .428 on-base percentage at the top of the order. Addison Wittram and Madison Runyan have provided a steady presence, with Runyan adding extra-base punch behind eight doubles and a pair of home runs. Casey Schultz has been the primary power source, posting a 1.067 OPS with six homers and a .634 slugging percentage, while Jaelynn Duke has delivered in run-producing situations with a team-high 38 RBI and seven long balls. Hayden Fox and Isabella Bojkovic have matched each other with .324 averages, consistently putting together quality at-bats, and Macie Vickers, along with Braylin Pannill, have added even more firepower to the lineup. As a unit, the Texans are hitting .317 with a .413 on-base percentage, blending patience and pop to keep constant pressure on opposing staffs.

In the circle, Shelby Schultz has taken command as the staff ace, compiling a 3.39 ERA with 10 wins over a team-high 93 innings. She has struck out 74 batters and tossed seven complete games. Duke has complemented her as a dependable second option, working 33.1 innings with a 4.41 ERA while also picking up a save out of the bullpen. Taylor McKean and Abigail Dowell have filled key roles and combined for 52 strikeouts, with McKean showing swing-and-miss stuff and Dowell finding ways to win in limited opportunities. Alex Aguilar and Sadie Beck have provided additional depth, each making double-digit appearances, with Beck also recording a save. Overall, Tarleton State carries a 5.22 ERA with 167 strikeouts across 263 innings, leaning on a clear ace up front and a versatile mix of arms behind her.

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