The Utah Tech Trailblazers lost both games of a doubleheader against Tarleton State on April 24 at the Tarleton Softball Complex in Stephenville, Texas.
The games were important for both teams as they compete within the Western Athletic Conference. Utah Tech fell to a season record of 16-30 overall and 3-11 in conference play, while Tarleton State improved to 33-18 overall and 11-3 in the conference.
In the first game, Utah Tech was held to three hits and lost a close contest, 2-1. Senior Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona hit her fourth home run of the season in the seventh inning for Utah Tech’s only run. Pitcher Sauren Garton threw her sixth complete game of the year, allowing just three hits and two runs over six innings with two strikeouts.
Game two saw more offense from both teams. The Trailblazers outhit Tarleton State, recording eleven hits compared to nine by their opponents. Kennedy Embrey and Sadie Phillips each had two hits, while Kinley Pappas contributed her team-leading eighteenth double. Despite these efforts, Utah Tech lost by a score of 8-3 after falling behind due to three home runs by Tarleton State in one inning.
Three pitchers took turns for Utah Tech during game two: Lexie Wilson started with 2.1 innings pitched; Delaney Wright followed with 3.1 innings; Cemryn Pickett recorded the final out. The Trailblazers managed to load the bases in their last at-bat but could not bring any runners home as their final three batters struck out.
The series between Utah Tech and Tarleton State is set to conclude with another game scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m.
