The Southern Utah Thunderbirds softball team is set to compete in the LMU Tournament in Los Angeles, facing Portland State and Loyola Marymount in a four-game series. SUU kicks off against Portland State on Friday at 4:30 p.m. MT, followed by a matchup with LMU. They will again confront both teams on Saturday, attempting to build momentum ahead of their WAC play opener next weekend. Currently, the Thunderbirds hold an 11-15 record, having just finished 2-2 at the Orange and Black Classic.

By the Numbers
  • Thunderbirds currently 11-15 overall, 8-7 in neutral-site games.
  • Arianna Ramirez leads the team with a .346 batting average and 28 hits.
  • Hannah Duncan has pitched 51.2 innings, leading the team with 33 strikeouts.
Yes, But

Despite recent solid performances, the Thunderbirds have been inconsistent overall, highlighted by narrow losses against Idaho State. Their ability to maintain competitive play against strong opponents like LMU will be crucial for their confidence going into conference play.

State of Play
  • Thunderbirds have an active offensive lineup with multiple players contributing to scoring.
  • Portland State averages .260 and has significant theft capability with players going 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts.
  • Loyola Marymount boasts a strong .320 team batting average and a solid pitching staff with a 2.42 ERA.
What's Next

After the LMU Tournament, the Thunderbirds aim to harness momentum and sharpen their skills, heading into WAC play against California Baptist. The outcomes of these final non-conference games could set the tone for their upcoming league matchups.

Bottom Line

For Southern Utah to succeed, capitalizing on offensive strengths and solidifying their pitching ahead of conference play is essential. Building confidence in these last non-conference games will be key to a strong start in the WAC.