PREVIEW: Conference Play Arrives in Greeley as Bears Host Sacramento State

Friday, March 27

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

Sacramento State

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/25/2026 12:33:00 PM | Softball

UNC Game Notes

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Big Sky Conference play begins this weekend in Greeley as Northern Colorado hosts Sacramento State for a three-game series at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The series opens Friday, Mar. 27, with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. MDT, followed by game two at 4:30 p.m. MDT.

Action wraps up Saturday, Mar. 28, with first pitch set for 12 p.m. MDT.

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 14-18 overall (0-0 Big Sky) following its final nonconference stretch of the season.

The Bears are hitting .296 as a team with 259 hits, 55 doubles and 25 home runs through 32 games this season.

KEY NOTES ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado continues to feature one of the most productive offenses in the Big Sky, with five regular starters hitting above .300.

Amailee Morales leads the team with a .429 batting average and 14 doubles, while Ella Gonzales is hitting .388 with a team-high 24 RBIs. Katie Walling adds a .380 average with 20 RBIs, while Hayden Nelson provides power with seven home runs and 22 RBIs.

Nelson enters the weekend swinging a hot bat after hitting .625 with two home runs and five RBIs in the Saint Mary's series. Gonzales also posted a .400 average during the weekend, adding three RBIs.

In the circle, the Bears continue to utilize a multi-arm approach. Anna Wilming leads the staff with six wins and 76.0 innings pitched, while Grace Algrim has added three wins and three saves with 55.2 innings of work.

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 SACRAMENTO STATE (21-11): Sacramento State enters the weekend with a 21-11 overall record and one of the top pitching staffs in the conference, posting a 2.32 team ERA while holding opponents to a .233 batting average.

Offensively, the Hornets are hitting .276 as a team with 231 hits and 31 home runs. Lafulafu Malepeai leads the lineup with a .371 average, 11 home runs and 28 RBIs, while Saskia Raab (.350) and Katie Marsh (.370) provide additional production in the middle of the order.

In the circle, Alexa Ortiz leads the staff with a 2.03 ERA and 72 strikeouts, while Danyelle Leone owns a 1.27 ERA with four wins and two saves, giving Sacramento State strong depth in the pitching rotation.

DUE UP: AT MONTANA (April 3-4)
Grizzly Softball Stadium | Missoula, Mont.

Northern Colorado hits the road next weekend, continuing Big Sky Conference play with a three-game series at Montana.

Friday, Apr. 3
Game 1 – 2 p.m. MDT
Game 2 – 4 p.m. MDT

Saturday, Apr. 4
Game 3 – 12 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.