PREVIEW: UNC Returns Home to Host Saint Mary’s in WCC/Big Sky Challenge

Friday, March 20

Greeley, Colo.

1 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

Saint Mary's

3/18/2026 1:06:00 PM | Softball

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado returns home this weekend to host Saint Mary's in a three-game nonconference series at Gloria Rodriguez Field as part of the WCC/Big Sky Challenge.

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.

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 14-15 overall (0-0 Big Sky) after winning its three-game series at Pacific.

The Bears dropped a tightly contested 4-3 opener before responding with a 3-1 win behind a complete-game effort from Grace Algrim. UNC secured the series victory Sunday with a 5-4 win, highlighted by a three-RBI performance from Ella Gonzales.

As a team, Northern Colorado is hitting .297 with 236 hits and 23 home runs through 29 games this season.

KEY NOTES ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado continues to showcase one of the most productive lineups in the Big Sky, with multiple hitters producing at a high level.

Amailee Morales leads the team with a .437 batting average and 13 doubles, while Ella Gonzales (.387) paces the team with 21 RBIs and four home runs. Katie Walling is also hitting .386 with 19 RBIs, while Hayden Nelson adds five home runs and 17 RBIs to provide power throughout the lineup.

Gonzales enters the weekend coming off a strong series at Pacific, including a three-hit performance in game one and a three-RBI effort in the series finale.

In the circle, the Bears continue to utilize a multi-arm approach. Anna Wilming leads the staff with six wins and 73.2 innings pitched, while Grace Algrim has added three wins and three saves, including a complete-game victory and a save in the Pacific series.

RECORD WATCH: Amailee Morales continues to build on one of the most decorated careers in program history, ranking first all-time in doubles, home runs, RBIs and walks while continuing to climb in hits and total bases.

Ella Gonzales continues to move up the program record book in RBIs, home runs and walks, while also ranking among the program leaders in hit by pitch.

SCOUTING SAINT MARY'S (17-10): Saint Mary's enters the weekend riding a three-game winning streak and holds a perfect 8-0 record at home this season, while still seeking its first road win (0-6).

The Gaels are hitting .297 as a team with 202 hits, 35 doubles and 15 home runs. Hannah Ferguson leads the lineup with a .438 average, while Braxton Brown provides power with five home runs and 24 RBIs.

In the circle, Saint Mary's owns a 3.92 team ERA, led by Odhi Vasquez (2.49 ERA, 8-2 record), who has also recorded three saves.

Saint Mary's has been battle-tested throughout nonconference play with matchups against ranked opponents including Washington, South Carolina and Texas A&M, while also picking up wins over San Diego State and Hawai'i.

DUE UP: BIG SKY OPENING SERIES
PORTLAND STATE (March 27-29)
Gloria Rodriguez Field | Greeley, Colo.

Northern Colorado opens Big Sky Conference play the following weekend, hosting Sacramento State for a three-game series at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

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.