PREVIEW: Northern Colorado Set for Big Sky Road Test at Montana

Friday, April 3

Missoula, Mont.

2 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

Montana

Photo by: Kassidy Schwartz, UNC Athletics

4/1/2026 1:49:00 PM | Softball

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado returns to the road this weekend, continuing Big Sky Conference play with a three-game series at Montana in Missoula.

The series opens Friday, Apr. 3, with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. MDT, followed by game two at 4 p.m. MDT.

Action wraps up Saturday, Apr. 4, with first pitch set for 12 p.m. MDT.

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 16-19 overall (2-1 Big Sky) after winning its opening conference series against Sacramento State at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The Bears split Friday's doubleheader before responding with a dominant 9-1 victory in Saturday's finale to secure the series win.

As a team, Northern Colorado is hitting .301 with 286 hits, 61 doubles and 29 home runs through 35 games this season.

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

Amailee Morales leads the team with a .430 batting average and 15 doubles, while Ella Gonzales is hitting .404 with a team-high 27 RBIs. Katie Walling adds a .390 average with 22 RBIs, while Hayden Nelson provides power with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.

Morales led the way in the series-clinching win over Sacramento State with a grand slam and four RBIs, while Gonzales finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs in the finale.

In the circle, Anna Wilming anchored the weekend, earning two wins including a complete game in the opener and a five-inning, one-run performance in the series finale.

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 MONTANA (11-22, 3-0 BIG SKY): Montana enters the weekend riding a six-game winning streak and sits atop the Big Sky standings after a sweep of Portland State to open conference play.

The Grizzlies are hitting .264 as a team, led by Grace Lopez (.438), who paces the lineup with 42 hits, 13 doubles and a .708 slugging percentage.

Mackenzie Bekofsky (five home runs, 27 RBIs) and Anna Cockhill (six home runs, 26 RBIs) provide additional power in the middle of the order.

In the circle, Montana owns a 5.90 team ERA, with Carah Sweet leading the staff at 3.58, while Cameryn Ortega has logged a team-high 65.2 innings.

DUE UP: IDAHO STATE (APRIL 10-11)
Gloria Rodriguez Field | Greeley, Colo.

Northern Colorado returns home next weekend, continuing Big Sky Conference play with a three-game series against Idaho State.

Friday, Apr. 10
Game 1 – 2 p.m. MDT
Game 2 – 4:30 p.m. MDT

Saturday, Apr. 11
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.