PREVIEW: Softball Heads West for Three-Game Series at Pacific

Saturday, March 14

Stockton, Calif.

2 p.m. MST | 1 p.m. PST

University of Northern Colorado

Pacific

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/12/2026 2:45:00 PM | Softball

Game Notes

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado heads west this weekend for a three-game nonconference series at Pacific at Bill Simoni Field in Stockton, California.

The series begins Saturday, Mar. 14, with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. MDT (1 p.m. PDT) followed by game two at 4 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. PDT).

The weekend concludes Sunday, Mar. 15, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. MDT (12 p.m. PDT).

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 12-14 overall (0-0 Big Sky) after hosting the Colorado Classic at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The Bears opened the tournament with a sweep of Kansas City before splitting games with Drake and South Dakota State on Saturday. UNC closed the weekend with a split against South Dakota, finishing the tournament with four wins.

Northern Colorado was selected fourth in the 2026 Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll, with Amailee Morales (1B), Krista Francia (SS), Katie Walling (3B) and Anna Wilming (P) earning Preseason All-Conference recognition.

KEY NOTES ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado continues to show power throughout the lineup and balanced production offensively.

Amailee Morales remains one of the most consistent hitters in the Big Sky and recently homered during the Colorado Classic while continuing her climb up the program and conference record books. Ella Gonzales has also been a key run producer, highlighted by a multi-RBI performance against South Dakota that included a home run.

Hayden Nelson, Katie Walling and Jazzy Longo continue to provide depth throughout the order as the Bears look to carry offensive momentum into the weekend series.

In the circle, Northern Colorado has relied on multiple arms throughout the early portion of the season. Sadie Kahl earned her first win of the year during the Colorado Classic, while Grace Algrim closed out the tournament with a save. Anna Wilming continues to lead the staff in innings pitched.

RECORD WATCH: Amailee Morales ranks first all-time in program history in doubles (49), home runs (29), RBIs (125) and walks (92). She also ranks eighth in hits (163), third in total bases (303) and sixth in putouts (674). Morales also sits fifth all-time in Big Sky Conference history in doubles, tied for 10th in home runs and sixth in walks.

Ella Gonzales ranks 11th all-time in RBIs (81), 11th in walks (53) and 11th in home runs (14), while also sitting seventh in program history in hit by pitch (18).

SCOUTING PACIFIC (8-17): Pacific enters the weekend with an 8-17 overall record, including a 3-5 mark at home this season.

Offensively, the Tigers are hitting .240 as a team with 156 hits, 35 doubles and 10 home runs through their first 25 games. Olivia Silvestre leads the lineup with a .352 batting average and 12 doubles, while Zaedi Tagalog is hitting .315 and Allie Capello adds a .304 average with two home runs and 13 RBIs. Bailey Boetjer provides additional power with two home runs and a team-high 17 RBIs.

In the circle, Pacific owns a 4.40 team ERA. Alexa Lewis leads the pitching staff with a 2.93 ERA and a 4-3 record across 40.2 innings, while Justice Alcaraz has logged 47 innings with a 3.57 ERA and three wins. Kaytee Dahlstrom has also seen significant time with eight appearances and two saves.

Pacific has faced a challenging early-season schedule, including tournaments in Hawai'i and Arizona and recent matchups against UC Davis, Utah Valley and California.

DUE UP: WCC/BIG SKY CHALLENGE
SAINT MARY'S (March 20-21)
Gloria Rodriguez Field | Greeley, Colo.

Northern Colorado returns home next weekend to host Saint Mary's for a three-game nonconference series at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The series begins Friday, Mar. 20, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. MDT.

Action continues Saturday, Mar. 21, with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. MDT, followed by game two at 1:30 p.m. MDT.

Rally Starters Club: The Rally Starters Club is essential to the success of UNC Softball, providing enhanced training resources, advanced technology, and competitive travel opportunities that help the Bears compete at the highest level. These investments directly enrich the student-athlete experience and ensure the team is equipped to excel on and off the field.

Give to the Rally Starters Club today!

FOLLOW THE BEARS: For the latest news and updates on Northern Colorado Softball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @UNC_BearsSB, and on Facebook at /UNCBearsSB.