FARMINGTON, Utah (April 8, 2026) – Nearing the halfway point of the Big Sky softball conference slate, three teams find themselves tied at the top of the standings.
Big Sky Softball Weekly Notes (Week 10)
Francia Named Big Sky Softball Player of the Week
Krista Francia led Northern Colorado to a 2-1 weekend, hitting .545 (6-for-11) with eight RBIs and four runs scored. She tallied four extra-base hits, including a double, triple, and home run, finishing with a 1.182 slugging percentage while playing error-free defense.
Others Nominated for Softball Player of the Week
Alyssa Yee (ISU), Anna Cockhill (UM), Breanna Lutz (PSU), Lafulafu Malepeai (SAC)
Ortiz Named Big Sky Softball Pitcher of the Week
Junior Alexa Ortiz helped lead Sacramento State to a series win at Weber State (2-1). The right-hander finished the series 2-0 with a 1.27 ERA. She earned the win in both Hornet victories during the series, which included an eight-inning complete game in the team’s 5-2 victory in the rubber game of the series.
In 11.0 innings, the Chandler, Ariz., native allowed 11 hits and just two runs with six strikeouts. Opponents hit .268, and she yielded one extra base hit.
In the eight-inning complete-game victory, she allowed eight hits and a pair of runs while throwing 119 pitches. She went three innings to earn the win in the Hornets' five-inning mercy rule victory on Friday, allowing just three hits and no runs with three strikeouts.
Others Nominated for Softball Pitcher of the Week
Kasey Aguinaga (ISU), Grace Algrim (UNC), 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 10)
Friday, April 10
Montana at Sacramento State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Portland State // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at Northern Colorado // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Sacramento State // 3:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Portland State // 4:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at Northern Colorado // 4:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, April 11
Idaho State at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Sacramento State // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Weber State at Portland State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Tuesday, April 14
Oregon State at Portland State // 3:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Boise State at Idaho State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah State at Weber State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Oregon State at Portland State // 5:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
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