FARMINGTON, Utah (April 22, 2026) – The final weekend of Big Sky Softball conference action is here with the regular season crown up for grabs between Idaho State and Montana in a winner-take-all series.
Big Sky Softball Weekly Notes (Week 12)
Christiaens Named Big Sky Softball Player of the Week
Jojo Christiaens went 8-for-15 (.533) with seven extra-base hits on Montana’s five-game road trip to Utah. The Grizzlies lost twice to Utah, then swept a three-game series from Weber State for the first time in program history. The sophomore had four doubles, a triple and two home runs. Christiaens also drove in six, and scored three times. She tallied a 1.333 slugging percentage over five games.
Others Nominated for Softball Player of the Week
Camryn McDonald (ISU), Rylee Gaustad (PSU), Madison Evers-Lyles (SAC)
Nakoa-Chung Named Big Sky Softball Pitcher of the Week
Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung led the Vikings in the circle against Northern Colorado, guiding them to their first Big Sky series win this season. Nakoa-Chung went 2-0 with a 1.75 ERA across 12 innings and allowed just eight hits across two games, holding opponents to a .184 batting average while striking out 10 batters.
Others Nominated for Softball Pitcher of the Week
Kasey Aguinaga (ISU), Kaiana Kong (UM), Keeli Smith (SAC)
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
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 12)
Friday, April 24
Portland State at Sacramento State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Northern Colorado // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Sacramento State // 3:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Northern Colorado // 4:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, April 25
Weber State at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Sacramento state // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at Montana // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+ / SWX)
Idaho State at Montana // 3:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+ / SWX)
Sunday, April 26
Idaho State at Montana // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Tuesday, April 28
Weber State at Utah State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
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