Weber State softball ends season in 7-1 loss to Portland State
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- Weber State second baseman Lauren Hoe throws to first base in a Big Sky tournament game against Portland State on Friday, May 12, 2023, in Ogden.
Olivia Grey has been a problem for Weber State softball when it comes to Big Sky tournament time.
The Portland State pitcher once helped knock No. 1 seed WSU out of the tournament a few seasons ago. This year, Grey held back the No. 5 Wildcats in relief Wednesday morning to beat WSU to open the tournament and Friday, Grey she threw four strong innings in a start to end Weber State’s season.
No. 4 Portland State vanquished No. 5 WSU 7-1 on Friday in a tournament elimination game, ending a tough season for the Wildcats at 13-32. Weber went 1-2 in the tournament, losing twice to PSU and defeating No. 2 Sacramento State to eliminate the Hornets.
The loss ends the careers of seven seniors, including second baseman Faith Hoe, who finishes second all-time in games played (209) at WSU and catcher Lauren Hoe, who finishes second all-time in home runs (32). Both were two-time all-conference First Team selections.
Sarah Ruhl hit 3 for 3 in Friday’s game and Emily Ruhl was 2 for 4. KC Whiting hit a double in the fourth and scored on a Sarah Ruhl single for WSU’s run.
Grey gave up five hits and one run in four innings, striking out three and walking three. Allicitie Frost threw three scoreless innings, striking out three, walking none and allowing three hits. Natalia Martinez doubled in a run in the second inning and hit a two-run homer in the sixth.
No. 3 Northern Colorado eliminated PSU later Friday evening with a 5-0 victory. The Bears emerge from the one-loss bracket to face No. 1 Idaho State for the championship at 1 p.m. Saturday. ISU needs one win to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time; if NoCo wins, the teams play again immediately after to decide the conference tournament title.