CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah will hit the road for the WAC tournament this week with games beginning on Wednesday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m. MT. The Thunderbirds will face Utah Valley in the tournament opener. The winner will advance to take on the top-seeded team from California Baptist on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. MT. All tournament games will be broadcast on ESPN+, and live stats are available on the softball schedule page at suutbirds.com.
The T-Birds are coming off a tight series against UVU last weekend at home. Southern Utah finished the regular season 20-28, with a 6-12 conference record, earning the fifth seed in the tournament. The Wolverines enter the tournament with an 8-10 conference record as the No. 4 seed.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We're proud of the fight our team has shown all season to secure our spot in the WAC Tournament, and we're excited to head to Stephenville with fresh momentum and a chance to make some noise in the bracket. With the talent and resilience we've built, we're locked in and ready to compete for a championship starting against Utah Valley, and this is the kind of opportunity we've been working toward all year."
Southern Utah
Arianna Ramirez continues to set the tone at the top for the Thunderbirds, batting .392 with 60 hits, 10 doubles, and a .429 on-base percentage while driving in 29 runs. Taralyn Ollison has been a steady presence alongside her, hitting .321 with 52 hits, eight doubles, and a team-best three triples, while also scoring 29 runs. Freshman McKenzy Becerra has powered the middle of the lineup with a team-high eight home runs and 36 RBIs to go with a .554 slugging percentage, while Michaella Salvatierra adds speed and consistency, hitting .327 with 29 runs scored and a perfect 10-for-10 mark on stolen bases. Alayah Toscano has delivered timely production with 17 RBIs and a .368 on-base percentage, and Savannah Lira adds another power threat with six home runs and 26 RBIs, giving Southern Utah a balanced and dangerous lineup heading into the WAC Tournament.
In the circle, the Thunderbirds will rely on a versatile pitching staff as they enter postseason play. Hannah Duncan has carried much of the workload, pitching 94 innings, recording 66 strikeouts, recording four complete games, and recording three saves while working in multiple roles. Avery Nielson leads the team with six wins and has added four saves across 67 innings, while Riley Nielson has contributed over 60 innings with four wins and two complete games. Delaney Baker has also been a key piece with five wins and three complete games, including a shutout performance earlier this season. With a combination of offensive firepower and a staff capable of grinding through innings, Southern Utah heads into the WAC Tournament ready to compete.
Across the Diamond
Utah Valley
The Wolverines' offense is powered by one of the most dangerous and balanced lineups in the WAC. Tatum Hall leads the way, hitting .438 with 11 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a 1.293 OPS, while Britney Moreno sets the tone at the top of the order with a .426 average, 72 hits, 54 runs scored, eight triples, and 14 stolen bases. Amber Rodriguez adds consistency at .386 with 61 hits, and Emma Haygood provides power in the middle with six home runs and 34 RBIs. Angelique Mann (.316, 30 RBIs) and Bailey Marvin (.311, 29 RBIs) continue to drive in runs, with Megan Sterzer (.313, 24 RBIs) and Payge Armendariz (.300, four home runs, 1.000 OPS) adding depth throughout the lineup. As a team, Utah Valley is hitting .343 with 272 RBIs and a .937 OPS, making them a constant offensive threat from top to bottom.
Utah Valley's pitching staff is anchored by Lily Riley, who has been a workhorse with a 15-8 record over 148.1 innings, striking out 105 batters with a 3.78 ERA and nine complete games. Payge Armendariz and Ella Miller have provided key support, combining for 10 wins and over 120 innings pitched while adding 73 strikeouts. Hannah Ortega has contributed valuable depth with 22 appearances as the Wolverines have relied on a mix of arms throughout the season. As a staff, they hold a 5.00 ERA with 205 strikeouts across 316.2 innings, showing the ability to manage games and remain competitive.
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