The University of Utah softball team will take on two in-state foes, Weber State University and BYU, on Monday and Wednesday evening, respectively. This break in play from their conference schedule is allowing the Utes to regroup and end the season on a high note, though they are trying to maintain the rhythm they’ve set already.
“Playing some teams that we haven’t played this season is good, and it is helping us get back to playing Utah softball like we know we can,” said senior pitcher Katie Donovan. “We are looking to go on a roll right now. It is important for us to stay fresh because too long of a break can make you get out of sync, and we need momentum to finish out the season.”
Weber State is currently No. 1 in the Big Sky conference with an 8-4 conference record. BYU has a 5-1 conference record as the Cougars are No. 1 in West Coast Conference. While the Utes haven’t fared to well in the Pac-12 — they have a 2-10 conference record — the have been optimistic and confident in their ability to work as a team.
“We are learning to be more resilient and are finding that staying together through the tough times is critical. That is a priority for us right now,” said head coach Amy Hogue.
In its most recent Pac-12 competition, Utah faced Washington and dropped all three games of the series. The team struggled with its bats, but it had other successes in the field and pitches.
Coming off of a big win against Southern Utah where they scored nine runs in five innings was a big confidence booster for the Utes, and they are aiming to carry that momentum into Monday’s games against Weber State.
“We have had some tough weekends, but we have learned a lot. We are trying to take everything we have learned and use it against all of these teams,” Donovan said. “These teams are still very good, and we are not taking the games lightly. We are not taking anything lightly and we are hoping for better outcomes.”
The Utes are working hard to jump right back into their season and finish strong in their last few series in the Pac-12, and these games might be their opportunity to start on the path to doing just that.
The Utes will start kick off their week with a doubleheader against Weber State on Monday, April 16, with the first game starting at 4 p.m., and game two at 6 p.m. They will face BYU on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
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