Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern
Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant
USU Eastern softball officially christened its new home, Heritage Field, on Friday as they opened conference play against No. 17 Salt Lake Community College. Despite a tough start, falling 11-0 in the first game of the four-game series, the Eagles showed glimpses of their potential against a nationally ranked-opponent.
Madi Shama provided the highlight of game one for USU Eastern, recording the team’s lone hit with a double in the second inning. Defensively, Jayda Spight anchored the infield with five assists at shortstop, while Brielle Sandoval and Maddy Jennings combined for nine putouts.
Pitchers Emma Walker and Addy Hess shared time in the circle, with Hess striking out two in 3.2 innings of relief. However, a nine-run second inning from Salt Lake proved too much to overcome.
The second game of the series followed a similar pattern, as the Bruins took control early and secured a 12-0 win. Freshman Lauryn Hall recorded the Eagles’ lone hit and later stole a base, but USU Eastern couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Eagles rotated through multiple pitchers, with Allie Fowler, Sydney Morris, Katelyn Johnson, and Emma Walker all seeing time in the circle.
The following day in game three, Salt Lake wasted no time getting on the board, scoring twice in the first inning before adding four more runs in the second. Despite a strong defensive effort, USU Eastern struggled to keep pace, managing just two hits in the game—both off the bat of Madi Shama, including a second-inning double.
SLCC’s offense was led by home runs from Paige Shumway, Ellie Pond, and Taylor Lewis-Balzarini. Pitcher Aubrie Hansen dominated in the circle, striking out eight Eagles while allowing just two hits over five innings.
For USU Eastern, Addy Hess made the start but was relieved in the second inning by Sydney Morris, who battled through the remainder of the game.
On Saturday afternoon, the Lady Eagles closed out their weekend series with an impressive 9-7 victory, picking up their first conference win of the season.
After falling behind early, Eastern responded with a dominant six-run second inning to take control of the game. Ainzleigh Quinn and Lauryn Hall powered the Eagles’ offense with home runs, while Aly Lundberg and Brielle Sandavol each drove in multiple runs to extend the lead.
Salt Lake battled back, adding runs in the fourth and seventh innings, but USU Eastern’s pitching staff held firm. Emma Walker earned the win, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing six runs (three earned) while striking out one. Allie Fowler closed out the game, tossing 3.2 innings with five strikeouts and just one run allowed.
The Eagles’ aggressive base running also played a key role, with stolen bases from Jayda Spight, Lauryn Hall, and Elissa Gibson helping to keep the pressure on SLCC’s defense.
USU Eastern (6-11, 2-6) will travel to Lewiston, Idaho to take on North Idaho College (10-12, 2-6) with a doubleheader starting on Thursday, March 21 at 1:00 PST. Fans can watch the action live on the Scenic West Digital Network.