Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern
Photo courtesy of Jeff Barrett
Game 1
The USU Eastern softball team clinched an 8-7 victory against Northeastern Junior College on Saturday with a dramatic walk-off finish. Cindy Martinez emerged as a standout, delivering a flawless performance with four hits in as many at-bats. Her contributions included a crucial double in the seventh inning that fueled the team’s comeback.
Momentum belonged to NJC to begin the game, highlighted by Aubrey Wright’s powerful homer in the second inning and a series of RBI singles in the third. However, The Lady Eagle’s determination shone through in the final inning as Maddy Jennings and Martinez led the charge to secure the win.
Addi Hess was tough on the mound, earning the win for USU Eastern despite facing an offensive onslaught from the Plainswomen.
Collectively, USU Eastern boasted an impressive 14 hits, with Gia Bruno, Cambrie Jensen, and Jennings joining Martinez in the offensive spotlight.
Game 2
In game two of the doubleheader, Maddy Jennings flexed her power with two impressive home runs and four RBI’s, yet despite her standout performance, the Lady Eagles fell short against Northeastern Junior College in a 22-13 high scoring defeat. Jennings’ homers in the third and fifth innings provided sparks of excitement for the team despite a challenging contest.
Despite the loss, Eastern notched an impressive 15 hits throughout the game. Lead-off hitter Micaela Resler led the charge with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, setting the tone for the team’s offensive efforts. Cindy Martinez also contributed with a pair of hits while Brinnley Anderson drew two walks.
Game 3
In another doubleheader against Northeastern Junior College, Maddy Jennings once again showcased her power at the plate on Sunday morning, belting two home runs and driving in three runs to propel USU Eastern to an 11-6 victory over the Plainswomen. Jennings’ homers in the first and third innings set the tone for an explosive offensive performance from the Lady Eagles.
NJC was first to score in the opening inning but Eastern quickly responded, with Gia Bruno’s single and Jennings’ homer giving them an early lead of 3-1 after the first inning.
Despite Northeastern Junior College’s efforts to stay in the game, including a solo home run in the third inning, USU Eastern maintained their offensive momentum, with Jennings adding another solo shot to extend their lead.
The game remained closely contested, with NJC briefly capturing the lead in the fourth inning. However, Eastern rallied in the bottom half of the inning, fueled by Bruno’s three-run homer, reclaiming a 7-5 advantage.
The Lay Eagles further solidified their lead with two more runs in the fifth inning, courtesy of Brooklyn Gramse’s solo home run and Micaela Resler’s RBI double, before Brinley Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth inning provided additional insurance.
Addi Hess delivered a solid performance on the mound for the Eagles, earning the win with a seven-inning effort.
USU Eastern’s offense was firing on all cylinders with an impressive 16 hits in the game, with Bruno leading the charge with four RBI’s. Resler, Gramse, Johnson, and Cambrie Jensen also contributed with multiple hits.
Game 4
The Lady Eagles looked to finish out the weekend strong and they did just that as they secured an impressive 11-3 victory over the Plainswomen in Sunday’s matchup. Maddy Jennings once again ignited the scoring in the first inning with a double, followed by a run scored on a passed ball, setting the tone for a strong offensive showing.
Building on their early lead, Eastern added another run in the second inning, courtesy of Paige Herbon’s single, extending their lead to 3-0. However, NJC fought back, leveling the score in the top of the third inning. Undeterred, the Eagles responded with a statement in the bottom of the third, exploding for five runs on four hits to reclaim control of the game with an 8-3 lead. Cambrie Jensen delivered a pivotal single, driving in two runs to highlight the offensive surge.
Pitcher Brinley Johnson delivered a solid performance for USU Eastern, earning the win with five innings at the mound.
Offensively, USU Eastern proved their depth with contributions from Micaela Resler, Cindy Martinez, and Herbon, each collecting two hits. However, it was Jensen who stood out, leading the team with three RBI’s, underscoring her impact as the number seven hitter in the lineup.
USU Eastern (8-1, 0-0) will open up Region 18 SWAC play at home against the Snow College Badgers (11-6, 0-0). The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for Friday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the USU Eastern Softball Field (Carbon County Softball Complex).