Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

The USU Eastern Lady Eagles softball team welcomed the No. 6 ranked Salt Lake Community College Bruins for four games between Friday and Saturday. Below is a recap for the game on Friday.

Game 1

In a tough matchup at home, USU Eastern was shut down by No. 6 Salt Lake Community College in their first game of the series, falling 7-0. Salt Lake’s Shelbee Jones threw a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and 13 strikeouts.

For the Eagles, Cindy Martinez secured two hits, however, the team as a whole couldn’t capitalize on limited opportunities, resulting in a scoreless outing. Paige Herbon tried to generate offensive momentum, reaching base with two walks, but the Bruins’ defense held strong, preventing any runs from scoring.

Pitching duties were handled by Addison Hess who started the game and pitched 5 innings, allowing four earned runs on 11 hits.  Jenna Thorkelson came in for relief giving up three runs during her time in the circle.

Game 2

In a high-scoring second game of their doubleheader Eastern once again fell to Salt Lake with a final score of 15-9. Despite the loss, the Lady Eagles showcased an improved offensive performance with Micaela Resler, Paige Herbon, and Cindy Martinez combining for eight of the team’s twelve hits.

Resler led the charge with three hits, including a double, and drove in a run. Martinez had a double and a triple, adding an RBI, and scoring once. Maddy Jennings also had a significant impact, knocking three hits and driving in two runs, which sparked a brief rally in the sixth inning where Eastern scored three runs.

USU Eastern’s pitchers struggled to contain the Bruin’s offense which managed 20 hits throughout the game. Brinley Johnson started on the mound allowing ten earned runs over four innings. Relief pitching by Addison Hess also saw challenges, conceding three earned runs from the mound.