PREVIEW: UNC Softball Heads to Portland for Three Game Series Against The Vikings, Hosts Nevada on Monday

Friday, April 17

Hillsboro, Ore.

3 p.m. MDT | 2 p.m. PDT

University of Northern Colorado

Portland State

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

4/15/2026 9:31:00 AM | Softball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado softball heads to Portland, Oregon this weekend to continue Big Sky Conference play with a three-game series against Portland State at Hillsboro Stadium. The series opens Friday, Apr. 17, with a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. MDT. Action wraps up Saturday, Apr. 18, with first pitch set for 2 p.m. MDT,

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 19–22 overall (5–4 Big Sky) after taking one of three games in a competitive home series against Idaho State.
As a team, the Bears are hitting .302 with 337 hits, 71 doubles and eight triples through 41 games this season.

KEY NOTES ON THE BEARS: Amailee Morales leads the team with a .444 batting average, while Hayden Nelson (.308) paces the Bears with a .626 slugging percentage. Katie Walling (.388) has swiped nine bases and KK Christie (.295) has added five, giving Northern Colorado speed on the basepaths. Ella Gonzales (.373) continues to anchor the offense with 76 total bases and 28 RBI's.

Krista Francia earned Big Sky Player of the Week honors following a standout performance in the Montana series, highlighted by a three-hit, four-RBI effort in the series-clinching win. The Bears showcased their offensive depth, scoring 24 runs across two victories, including 14 in Saturday's finale.

In the circle, Anna Wilming, Grace Algrim and Ellyse Hydock have combined for 18 wins this season, providing stability for the pitching staff.

CHASING RECORDS: Head coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm now sits at 91 career wins, second-most in program history, and continues to close in on Shana Easley's record of 110. Amailee Morales continues to cement her place among the program's all-time greats, holding career records in doubles (58), home runs (32), RBI's (214), walks (79), batting average (.481), on-base percentage (.626), and total bases (356). Ella Gonzales is climbing the record books as well, ranking eighth in doubles (33) and RBIs (93), while sitting just one hit shy of the program's top 10. She also ranks 10th in home runs (17) and walks (57). Anna Wilming has moved into eighth in program history with 99 strikeouts and is approaching the 100-strikeout milestone.

Note: Career batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage marks are active and will continue to fluctuate throughout the season.

SCOUTING PORTLAND STATE (27–15, 4–2 BIG SKY): Portland State features a balanced lineup hitting .255, led by Grace Johnson (.371, 15-for-15 SB) and Breanna Lutz (.368, .589 SLG). Mia Martinez and Abigail Carsley add power with five home runs each, though the offense has shown inconsistency at times.

In the circle, Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung leads the staff with a 3.88 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 113.2 innings, with Gracie Walters adding depth (4.20 ERA). As a staff, Portland State holds a 5.33 ERA, with opponents hitting .312. Defensively, they field at a .965 clip but have shown vulnerability in controlling the running game.

SCOUTING NEVADA (30-14, 11-5 MOUNTAIN WEST): Nevada brings a 30–14 overall record (11–5 MW) into the weekend behind a high-powered offense hitting .338 with 55 home runs. Madison Clark (.500 AVG, 25 SB), Katie Wetteland (.446, 39 RBI), and Hannah Di Genova (.422, 20 HR, 66 RBI) lead a deep lineup. In the circle, Nevada holds a 3.63 ERA, anchored by Tess Bumiller (11–3, 2.61 ERA), while the team adds pressure on the bases with 71 stolen bases and a .970 fielding percentage defensively.

ON DECK: Northern Colorado returns home next week for a Monday match up against Nevada, followed by a three-game conference series against Weber State at Gloria Rodriguez Field. The weekend will feature multiple promotional events, creating a great atmosphere for fans.

RALLY STARTERS CLUB: The Rally Starters Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Softball, providing enhanced training resources, advanced technology, and competitive travel opportunities. These investments directly support the student-athlete experience and help the Bears compete at a high level.

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.