Completed Event: Softball versus No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State on May 7, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 7
Final Score
Softball
0
vs No. 2 Seed Oklahoma State
7
The University of Utah Athletics
Utes To Compete In Softball By The Beach Tournament
2/18/2003 12:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 18, 2003
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At The Plate
The Utes travel to Santa Barbara, Calif., for the Santa Barbara Tourney, Feb. 21-23. Utah will face San Diego and Cal Poly on Friday, Feb. 21. The Utes get a rematch with the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Cyclones defeated Utah in extra innings, 6-5, at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament earlier in February. Utah also faces Kansas on Saturday and then will wrap things up against Cal State Northridge on Sunday, Feb. 23.
Recapping Last Week
Utah began the UNLV Softball Classic with wins against Hawaii, 4-3, and Portland State, 8-3, but then dropped its next three games against ranked opponents. The Utes fell to No. 10 Cal State Fullerton, 3-1, No. 7 LSU, 5-2, and No. 1 UCLA, 7-0. In its first game, Utah used a two-run infield single by Glennis Donnelly to come from behind and beat the Rainbows. Next, Utah rolled past Portland State led by Niki Hayhurst's perfect day at the plate (3-3, including two doubles). Jen Pursell threw a three-hitter against the CS Fullerton in game three, but unfortunately two of the hits were home runs as Utah fell to the Titans. The Utes played the LSU Tigers tough in game four, but hurt themselves by stranding nine runners and committing four errors. The final game proved a tough one for Utah as they were blanked by No. 1 UCLA. The Bruins' ace held Utah to just one hit in the game.
On Deck
The Red Desert Classic, Utah's own tournament, will be held in St. George, Utah, Feb. 28-March 2. The tournament will feature Utah, Alabama Birmingham, Cal State Northridge, Georgia Southern, Oregon, Arkansas, BYU, Utah State and Southern Utah.
Quoting Stevens
"I am still pleased with our overall performance against the top 10 teams, despite the losses. We were in a lot of those ball games."
"I think this weekend will be good for us because it will give our hitters a chance to get going. It's been tough for them to have to face some of the best pitchers in the nation from the start."
Ups And Downs
Utah has already swiped 12 bases to its opponents' eight. The Utes pitchers have given up 12 home runs this year, but as a team, Utah has only connected for two dingers. Ouch...the Utes have been hit by a pitch 11 times this season, led by Melissa Stahnke and Lynsey Wall's three bonks apiece. Utah continues to struggle in the field, having already committed 23 errors. Three starters still boast a perfect fielding percentage, while another has just one error.
Good And Bad Things Come In Threes
After wrapping up its first win, Utah went on to drop its next three games. As a follow up, the Utes then won their next three games, including a victory over No. 13 ASU. But staying in trend, Utah then dropped it's next three games to fall to 4-6 on the year.
An All-Ute Staff
Joining Stevens as coaches are Marianne Bullis and Carrie Kosderka. All three were Ute players and are U. graduates. Kosderka is in her second season as an assistant coach, while Bullis is in her first.
Road Trip
Utah will take eight road trips, including one to St. George, Utah, to host its own tournament, before hosting Southern Utah on March 27 at Ute Field. The advantage of traveling is the chance to play several ranked opponents before opening the conference season.
Wall Of Fame
Freshman Lynsey Wall continues to lead the Utes with a .350 batting average, a .500 slugging percentage and a .552 on base percentage. The designated player also has a good eye for the ball, already drawing six walks this season.
Hayhurst's Groove
Niki Hayhurst began the season in a slump, connecting for just one hit in 15 plate appearances at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament. The senior reversed her fortune in Vegas, where she notched six hits including a home run and two doubles to go with four RBI.
Mona Stevens
Head Coach Mona Stevens is in her seventh season at the helm of the Utah softball program. Stevens, a well-known coach at the collegiate, national and international levels, has a 221-156-1 overall college record. The Provo, Utah, native is currently serving as President of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. In her spare time, Stevens enjoys performing with her band, the Sister Wives.
Players Mentioned
OF/C
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