University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, April 18
Hillsboro, Ore.
2 p.m. MDT | 1 p.m. PDT
University of Northern Colorado
20-23, 6-5
3
at
4
Portland State
13-27, 3-8
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Runs R | Hits H | Errors E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Colorado | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Portland State | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
Photo by: Chi Woodruff
Bears Fall Short in Game Three Against Portland State
4/18/2026 6:28:00 PM | Softball
PORTLAND, Ore.- Northern Colorado came up just short in a tightly contested series finale against Portland State, falling 4–3 on Saturday afternoon at Hillsboro Stadium. Both teams delivered a competitive performance, but the Vikings managed to hold on late to secure the win and take the series.
Portland State struck early in the opening inning when the Vikings executed a sacrifice bunt that allowed PSU to cross home plate, giving the Vikings a 1–0 lead. The Bears responded as the game progressed, and in the third inning, both teams added a run. Northern Colorado's KK Christie capitalized on a throwing error to score, narrowing the gap to 2–1.
Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when the Bears surged ahead. Baylie Kakallis launched a two-run home run, also bringing Eva Peace home and giving the Bears a 3–2 advantage. However, the Vikings quickly answered back. Abby Carsley delivered again with a clutch single that drove in two runs, allowing Portland State to regain the lead at 4–3 by the end of the inning.
Offensively, the Bears were limited but still found contributions across the lineup, finishing with five total hits. KK Christie, Ella Gonzales, Emma Harrington, Krista Francia, and Baylie Kakallis each recorded a hit in the effort.
In the circle, Anna Wilming was charged with the loss after surrendering four runs over five innings of work. Grace Algrim closed out the game for Northern Colorado, delivering a solid final inning with no runs or hits allowed.
The Bears threatened late, putting runners on base in both the sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to bring the tying run across. Portland State's defense held firm under pressure, ultimately sealing the 4–3 victory and clinching the series.
DUE UP: NEVADA (April 20)
Gloria Rodriguez Field | Greeley, CO
Northern Colorado comes home and prepares for a match up against Nevada on Monday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2 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
Portland State struck early in the opening inning when the Vikings executed a sacrifice bunt that allowed PSU to cross home plate, giving the Vikings a 1–0 lead. The Bears responded as the game progressed, and in the third inning, both teams added a run. Northern Colorado's KK Christie capitalized on a throwing error to score, narrowing the gap to 2–1.
Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when the Bears surged ahead. Baylie Kakallis launched a two-run home run, also bringing Eva Peace home and giving the Bears a 3–2 advantage. However, the Vikings quickly answered back. Abby Carsley delivered again with a clutch single that drove in two runs, allowing Portland State to regain the lead at 4–3 by the end of the inning.
Offensively, the Bears were limited but still found contributions across the lineup, finishing with five total hits. KK Christie, Ella Gonzales, Emma Harrington, Krista Francia, and Baylie Kakallis each recorded a hit in the effort.
In the circle, Anna Wilming was charged with the loss after surrendering four runs over five innings of work. Grace Algrim closed out the game for Northern Colorado, delivering a solid final inning with no runs or hits allowed.
The Bears threatened late, putting runners on base in both the sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to bring the tying run across. Portland State's defense held firm under pressure, ultimately sealing the 4–3 victory and clinching the series.
DUE UP: NEVADA (April 20)
Gloria Rodriguez Field | Greeley, CO
Northern Colorado comes home and prepares for a match up against Nevada on Monday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2 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
Team Stats
Batting:
HR: Kakallis, Baylie 1
RBI: Kakallis, Baylie 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Christie, KK 1 ; Peace, Eva 1 ; Kakallis, Baylie 1
HBP: Walling, Katie 1
Batting:
2B: Llamas, Sierra 1
RBI: Carsley, Abby 3 ; Martinez, Mia 1
SH: Carsley, Abby 1
SF: Martinez, Mia 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Johnson, Grace 1 ; Gaustad, Rylee 1 ; Benson, Jolee 1 ; Lutz, Breanna 1
Game Leaders
AB
3
R
1
H
1
RBI
0
AB
3
R
0
H
1
RBI
0
AB
3
R
0
H
1
RBI
0
AB
3
R
0
H
1
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
P
/ SoftballOF
/ SoftballINF
/ SoftballINF
/ SoftballC
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
RHP
/ SoftballUNC Weekly Press Conference - Dedeann Pendleton-Helm (Apr 14)
Tuesday, April 14
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Dedeann Pendleton-Helm (Apr 7)
Wednesday, April 08
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Dedeann Pendleton-Helm (Mar 31)
Tuesday, March 31
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Dedeann Pendleton-Helm (Mar 24)
Tuesday, March 24
