Eastern softball regains confidence against Spartans

After a tough first weekend of conference play and a postponed series, the Utah State University Eastern Lady Eagles were able to get back in their groove this past weekend. 

The Lady Eagles ended the opening weekend of conference play 1-3 after facing the Salt Lake Community College Bruins. During the first series, Eastern struggled getting bats warm enough to put runs on the board. While Eastern pulled out a win, the Eagles did not play to the potential shown to begin the season. 

Following the SLCC series, the Lady Eagles were scheduled to be on the road against Snow College, but due to weather and inclement field conditions, the series was canceled in hopes to play later in the season. 

Hoping to change the tide, the Eagles traveled to Vernal to face the Spartans for an away series. 

The Eagles’ pitching staff was able to walk away with a total of 10 hits and two runs allowed in the four games combined. Sophomores, Sydney Smith and Preslee Christensen were able to work together to create a no hitter in game two. With all hands-on deck to insure a very successful weekend, pitching wasn’t the only thing working for the Eagles. 

The USU Eastern offense was able to grind out 101 runs in twenty total innings. Multiple players contributed with extra base hits as Eastern totaled 21 home runs and 12 triples. Although everyone was instrumental in the scoring frenzy, Kalsey Lopes was able to walk away with six of the 21 home runs, and Brinley Johnson added five. 

The Lady Eagles will prepare for an upcoming series against College of Southern Idaho, which will be played Mar. 24-25. Due to the strong winter, the ladies have been unable to play or even practice on their home field. The games are scheduled to be played in Price, Utah, but may be relocated due to weather and field conditions.