The University of Northern Colorado softball team defeated Weber State 12-3 Tuesday afternoon to avoid elimination at the Big Sky Conference Tournament at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.
The second-seeded Bears, who lost to No. 3 Sacramento State in their opener Monday, advance to face No. 4 Montana in an elimination game at noon Wednesday. UNC (24-26) scored four runs in each of the first two innings against Weber State to put away the Wildcats in a run-ruled, 5-inning victory. The Bears added four more runs in the bottom of the fourth, and starting pitcher Grace Algrim finished off Weber State after surrendering a lead-off single in the top of the fifth.
Algrim (7-6) gave up three runs on six hits with four strikeouts and a walk. Trailing 2-0 after the top of the first, UNC scored four runs on one hit in the bottom half of the inning. The Bears used a walk and three hit batsmen to manufacture their first run off Weber State starter Cali McCraw. The Wildcats then made a pitching change with the bases loaded. UNC’s Baylie Kakallis gave the Bears the lead for good with a three-run double to center. UNC scored four runs on four hits in the bottom of the second for an 8-2 lead.
Emma Harrington hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the bottom of the fourth inning. Six UNC players had at least one hit. Left fielder Abby Gaona had two hits and scored a run.
Montana (21-31) beat Portland State 9-3 in the first game of the day Tuesday to remain in the tournament. The Grizzlies split their first two games Monday, including a loss to top-seeded Idaho State.
UNC as the second seed had a bye to late Monday afternoon. Then facing Sacramento State, the Hornets took a 3-0 lead and fell behind 4-3 after four innings. Sacramento State rallied for the 6-5 wub with three runs total in the fifth and sixth innings.
Idaho State handed Sacramento State its first loss of the tournament late Tuesday afternoon with a 15-7 win in six innings. Idaho State, 36-18 and undefeated in the tournament, has an off-day Wednesday as the Bengals wait for the results of two games.
Sacramento State meets the UNC-Montana winner at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday for the right to play Idaho State at noon Thursday. ISU has to win one of two games Thursday to win the tournament and earn the Big Sky’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
