PREVIEW: UNC Softball Heads to Pocatello for Big Sky Championship Tournament

Monday, May 4

Pocatello, Idaho

TBA

University of Northern Colorado

Big Sky Conference

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

5/1/2026 12:00:00 PM | Softball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado softball turns its focus to postseason play, entering the Big Sky Tournament as the No. 2 seed and awaiting its opponent between Portland State and Sacramento State. The tournament, hosted by Idaho State in Pocatello, Idaho, will begin Monday, May 4 and conclude Thursday, May 7.

The Bears will look to carry their late-season momentum into the conference tournament as they compete for a Big Sky championship.

All games throughout the Big Sky Tournament will be available to watch on ESPN+, with live stats and in-game updates provided throughout the week through UNC's Softball official social media channels.

SEASON REVIEW: Northern Colorado closed out the regular season with a strong push, securing the No. 2 seed after finishing 23-25 overall and 9-6 in Big Sky play. The Bears consistently found ways to compete down the stretch, putting together key conference wins and positioning themselves near the top of the standings heading into postseason action.

NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: Northern Colorado's season has been defined by growth, consistency and a strong presence across the lineup. The Bears placed six student-athletes on All-Big Sky teams, highlighting the program's impact talent and depth across multiple positions. Throughout the year, UNC continued rewriting and updating the program record book, with several players etching their names into all-time marks.

2026 ALL-BIG SKY HONOREES – NORTHERN COLORADO
FIRST TEAM (2)
Katie Walling (2B)
Ella Gonzales (NP/Util)

SECOND TEAM (2)
Amailee Morales (1B)
KK Christie (OF)

HONORABLE MENTION (2)
Krista Francia (SS)
Hayden Nelson (3B)

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Monday, May 4
Game 1 - #4 Montana vs #5 Weber State // 9:00 a.m. // Live Stats
Game 2 - #3 Sacramento State vs #6 Portland State // 11:30 a.m. // Live Stats
Game 3 – #1 Idaho State vs. Game 1 Winner // 2:00 p.m. // Live Stats
Game 4 – #2 Northern Colorado vs. Game 2 Winner // 4:30 p.m. // Live Stats

Tuesday, May 5
Game 5 - Game 2 Loser vs. Game 3 Loser (Loser Eliminated) // 11:00 a.m. // Live Stats
Game 6 - Game 1 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser (Loser Eliminated) // 1:30 p.m. // Live Stats
Game 7 – Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner // 4:00 p.m. // Live Stats

Wednesday, May 6
Game 8 – Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner (Loser Eliminated) // 12:00 p.m. // Live Stats
Game 9 – Game 7 Loser vs. Game 8 Winner (Loser Eliminated) // 2:30 p.m. // Live Stats

Thursday, May 7
Game 10 – Game 7 Winner vs. Game 9 Winner // 12:00 p.m. // Live Stats
Game 11 – If Necessary // 2:30 p.m. // Live Stats

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