FARMINGTON, Utah (March 25, 2026) – After seven weekends of non-conference play, all six Big Sky softball teams will kick off their conference slate this weekend.
Big Sky Softball Weekly Notes (Week 8)
McDonald Named Big Sky Softball Player of the Week
Camryn McDonald was the offensive standout of a 5-2 week for Idaho State that included series wins over Oregon State and Seattle. The shortstop hit .444 across six games with an .833 slugging percentage and a .474 on-base percentage, going 8-for-18 with two home runs and seven RBI. McDonald delivered the signature moment of the week in Game 1 against Seattle, launching a walk-off homer in the 12th inning to give the Bengals a 7-6 victory and set the tone for a three-game sweep of the Redhawks. She added a double and finished the week with multiple multi-hit efforts as Idaho State outscored its opponents 39-23 across a seven-game stretch.
Others Nominated for Softball Player of the Week
Grace Lopez (UM), Shannon Garcia (SAC), Sadie Kirk (WSU)
Goluskin Named Big Sky Softball Co-Pitcher of the Week
Marley Goluskin was sharp in two starts during Idaho State's 5-2 week that included series wins over Oregon State and Seattle. The right-hander went 2-0 across 11.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs for a 1.20 ERA on the week. Goluskin held opposing hitters to a .190 batting average, struck out nine, and walked three while completing one of her two starts.
Nakoa-Chung Named Big Sky Softball Co-Pitcher of the Week
Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts while tossing Portland State's first seven-inning no-hitter since 2012 against North Dakota on Friday. The no-hit shutout that led to a 1-0 PSU win was her second shutout of the season and sixth complete game.
Others Nominated for Softball Pitcher of the Week
Danyelle Leone (SAC), Cali McCraw (WSU)
Brown Headlines Inaugural Preseason All-Conference Team
Idaho State's Ava Brown headlines the Preseason All-Conference Team, earning preseason MVP honors. Brown led the league a season ago in home runs (25) and RBIs (66). The 2025 Big Sky Player of the Year's 25 home runs last year set a single-season conference record.
The Bengals have five members on the Preseason All-Conference Team, the most of any other school. Kasey Aguinaga and Lizzy Tommasini are two of those members who played a crucial role in Idaho State's defensive efforts in the circle last season. The Bengals surrendered a league-low 231 runs a season ago behind a pitching staff that secured 37 wins.
Defending tournament champions Weber State also has five members on the Preseason All-Conference squad. The Wildcats will look to senior third baseman Abby Grundy and reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year Sadie Kirk to lead the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.
2026 Big Sky Softball Preseason All-Conference Team
Catcher: Jenna Kearns, Idaho State*
Catcher: Katie Marsh, Sacramento State*
First Base: Amailee Morales, Northern Colorado
Second Base: Sadie Kirk, Weber State
Shortstop: Krista Francia, Northern Colorado*
Shortstop: Taegan Smith, Weber State*
Third Base: Katie Walling, Northern Colorado*
Third Base: Madison Evers-Lyles, Sacramento State*
Third Base: Abby Grundy, Weber State*
Outfield: Ava Brown, Idaho State (Preseason MVP)
Outfield: Alyssa Yee, Idaho State
Outfield: Lafulafu Malepeai, Sacramento State
Pitcher: Kasey Aguinaga, Idaho State*
Pitcher: Lizzy Tommasini, Idaho State*
Pitcher: Anna Wilming, Northern Colorado*
Pitcher: Alexa Ortiz, Sacramento State*
Pitcher: Cali McCraw: Weber State*
Pitcher/Utility: Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung, Portland State
Non-Pitcher/Utility: Riley Whalen, Weber State
* Indicates tie for position
Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Idaho State (5) - 25
2. Weber State - 19
3. Sacramento State (1) - 18
4. Northern Colorado - 14
5. Portland State - 9
6. Montana - 5
*() Indicates first-place votes
Weber State Seeks to Repeat as Tournament Champions in 2026
Weber State, who captured its fifth tournament crown last season after winning the Big Sky Championship, will look to defend its title this year as the Wildcats set their sights on another tourney crown. Weber State recorded a win in an elimination game against Binghamton in the Eugene Regional to highlight its NCAA postseason run.
The win marks the school’s and conference’s second win in the NCAA Softball Tournament. The other win came in 2019 when Weber State defeated Cal State Fullerton.
Pocatello Tabbed as Host City for 2026 Big Sky Tournament
The 2026 Big Sky Softball Championships will be held May 4-7 at Idaho State’s Softball Field in Pocatello, Idaho. All six Big Sky softball teams will advance to the double-elimination tournament. The tournament champion will earn the Big Sky’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2026 Big Sky Softball Schedule (Week 8)
Friday, March 27
Sacramento State at Northern Colorado // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Northern Colorado // 4:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, March 28
Sacramento State at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Montana // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Idaho State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Idaho State // 3:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Montana // 3:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sunday, March 29
Portland State at Montana // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Idaho State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Tuesday, March 31
Utah Valley at Weber State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Pacific // 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
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