PREVIEW: Bears Welcome Idaho State for Key Conference Series

Friday, April 10

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

Idaho State

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

4/8/2026 10:28:00 AM | Softball

UNC Game Notes

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado returns home this weekend, continuing Big Sky Conference play with a three-game series against Idaho State at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The series opens Friday, Apr. 10, with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. MDT, followed by game two at 4:30 p.m. MDT.

Action wraps up Saturday, Apr. 11, with first pitch set for 12 p.m. MDT.

CATCHING UP ON THE BEARS: Northern Colorado enters the weekend 18-20 overall (4-2 Big Sky) after winning its second consecutive conference series, taking two of three on the road at Montana.

The Bears split Friday's doubleheader before closing the weekend with a 14-10 win in Saturday's finale, powered by a 14-hit offensive performance.

As a team, Northern Colorado is hitting .304 with 315 hits, 66 doubles and 34 home runs through 38 games this season.

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

Amailee Morales leads the team with a .436 batting average, while Ella Gonzales (.395) paces the team with 27 RBIs. Katie Walling is hitting .387 with 25 RBIs, while Hayden Nelson provides power with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.

Krista Francia was named Big Sky Player of the Week after a standout performance in the Montana series, including a three-hit, four-RBI effort in the series-clinching win.

The Bears showed offensive depth throughout the weekend, scoring 24 runs in the two wins, including 14 runs in Saturday's finale.

In the circle, Anna Wilming and Grace Algrim continue to lead the staff, combining for 13 wins this season while handling the majority of innings in conference play.

CHASING RECORDS: Head coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm continues to climb the program record book, now sitting at 90 career wins—second-most in program history and just 20 shy of Shana Easley's record of 110.

Amailee Morales remains one of the most decorated hitters in program history, ranking first all-time in doubles (57), home runs (32), RBIs (137) and walks (111), while sitting second in total bases (348) and fifth in batting average (.357). She also leads the program in on-base percentage (.469).

Ella Gonzales continues her climb in multiple categories, ranking second in doubles (27), fourth in RBIs (99), and 11th in hits (151)—just one shy of cracking the top 10. She also ranks 10th in home runs (17) and walks (60).

Katie Walling currently owns the top batting average in program history (.370) and ranks among the top five in slugging percentage (.552), while continuing to climb the stolen base list.

Krista Francia and Hayden Nelson are also making their mark in single-season categories, with Francia climbing the on-base percentage rankings and Nelson sitting among the top five in single-season home runs with 10.

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

SCOUTING IDAHO STATE (27-15, 4-2 Big Sky): Idaho State enters the weekend with a 27-15 overall record and a 4-2 mark in Big Sky play, coming off a series win over Portland State.

The Bengals have been battle-tested throughout nonconference play, facing nationally ranked opponents such as No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 20 Oregon, while also picking up key wins over Oregon State, San Diego and Utah State.

Idaho State enters the weekend with strong recent form, winning 11 of its last 14 games, including sweeps over Seattle and Weber State during that stretch. The Bengals have been particularly strong at home (14-4), while posting a 5-6 record in true road games.

Offensively, Idaho State has shown the ability to score in bunches, highlighted by multiple run-rule victories and double-digit scoring performances throughout the season.

DUE UP: AT PORTLAND STATE (April 17-18)
Hillsboro Stadium | Hillsboro, Ore.

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

Friday, Apr. 17
Game 1 – 3 p.m. MDT / 2 p.m. PDT
Game 2 – 5:30 p.m. MDT / 4:30 p.m. PDT

Saturday, Apr. 18
Game 3 – 2 p.m. MDT / 1 p.m. PDT

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