Utah Tech softball team, fans prepare to Stand Up to Cancer with doubleheader vs. SUU

In this file photo, Utah Tech softball coach Randy Simkins meets with the Trailblazers during a game against Brigham Young University. Utah Tech will wear its pink jerseys to mark Stand Up to Cancer Day during doubleheader against Southern Utah University at Karl Brooks Field in St. George on April 9, 2024 | Photo by Stan Plewe, Utah Tech Athletics, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Utah Tech softball is taking on more than one opponent on Tuesday at Karl Brooks Field in St. George.

In this file photo, members of the 2023 Utah Tech softball team celebrate a moment during the Trailblazers annual Stand Up To Cancer game. The 2024 event will be part of a doubleheader against Southern Utah University at Karl Brooks Field in St. George on April 9, 2024 | Photo by Stan Plewe, Utah Tech Athletics, St. George News

The Trailblazers and their fans will take part in Stand Up to Cancer Day as part of a doubleheader against Western Athletic Conference rivals Southern Utah University. Game 1 starts at 3 p.m. and Game 2 at 5:30 p.m.

According to the organization’s website, “Stand Up To Cancer works relentlessly to offer the newest, most effective, and most promising cancer treatments to patients quickly by bringing together the best minds to collaborate, innovate, and share cancer research.”

Utah Tech is 12-24 overall and 5-7 in the WAC after losing 2-of-3 at Seattle U last weekend. The Blazers lost the Friday doubleheader opener 3-2 but won the nightcap 3-1.

Utah Tech then lost a squeaker on Saturday, 1-0. The Trailblazers got singles from the team’s leading hitter Laura Lockard (.316) in the second inning and Oaklee Trapp in the fifth; however, no Utah Tech baserunners were able to advance past second base during the contest.

In the circle, Attlyn Johnston made her team-leading 15th start, limiting the Redhawks to seven hits, one run and no walks and registering four strikeouts. As a pitching staff, Utah Tech posted a 1.78 ERA in the three-game series, holding Seattle U to five earned runs and combined for eight strikeouts.

Southern Utah, meanwhile, dropped down to 14-18 overall and 4-8 in the WAC. According to a news release, SUU is coming off a home series win over Abilene Christian last weekend and also has a series win over Stephen F. Austin this season.

Southern Utah University junior Karmena Becerra hit a home run in each of the Thunderbirds’ three games against Abilene Christian last weekend, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University Athletics, St. George News

With a 2-8 record on the road this season, the Thunderbirds are hitting .265 as a team to rank eighth in the WAC and are averaging 3.7 runs per game.

The Trailblazers lead the all-time series over SUU 24-11, having swept the Thunderbirds on the road last year. Utah Tech is 16-3 at home in the series against SUU and is 9-2 overall against the Thunderbirds since moving to Division I in 2021.

The Trailblazers remain at home this coming weekend to face California Baptist (22-19, 9-3 WAC) on Friday and Saturday.

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