SALT LAKE CITY – The Southern Utah University Softball team (3-25) faced off against the University of Utah (18-9) in a Wednesday afternoon double header at Dumke Family Softball Stadium. The Thunderbirds lost both games to the Utes, falling 12-4 in the first game and 11-1 in the second contest. Both games were called after five innings.
“First, I have to say that Utah is a very solid, well-coached team. They certainly took advantage of any opportunity we gave them,” said Southern Utah head coach Tom Gray. “I felt like we hit the ball well against a couple of very good pitchers, but we simply cannot afford to walk batters, as we gave them numerous extra outs.”
Jordan Theurer (0-8) was in the circle for the Thunderbirds in the first game. She faced 18 batters and allowed four earned runs in three innings pitched. Theurer did, however, bat two-for-three and bring in three RBIs for the Thunderbirds. Kylee Wolf had a great game, going three-for-three with one run and two RBIs of her own.
Utah’s Kristen Stewart led the way for the Utes, hitting .500, scoring one run and bringing in three RBIs.
The second game didn’t go much better for the Thunderbirds, as Utah continued to set the pace throughout the contest.
Utah’s Kristen Stewart continued her solid play, batting 1.000 and scoring three runs. She was joined by Heather Bowen, who hit .500 while scoring two runs with three RBIs.
Southern Utah’s Cheyenne Cudahy (1-5) started the game in the circle for the Thunderbirds. In 2 1/3 innings pitched, Cudahy faced 16 batters and allowed five earned runs. Jordan Theurer brought in Peyton Hart in the first inning for the Thunderbirds’ only score of the game.
Although Coach Gray was disappointed with the outcome of his team’s trip to Salt Lake, he remained optimistic for conference play.
“We will have a couple of good practices to finish up this week, then get ready to start conference play at Idaho State next Friday (March 25th).”
Hayden Coombs 