PHOENIX, Ariz. - Seattle U softball heads to the road this weekend, traveling to Phoenix for a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) series with Grand Canyon. The Redhawks and Lopes will face off in three games over Friday and Saturday with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 4:30 p.m.
All three contests will feature live streaming on ESPN+ as well as live stats. Seattle U currently trails in the all-time series, 11-16, but took the last WAC series in Phoenix during the 2021 season with a doubleheader sweep.
FOLLOW THE REDHAWKS
- Friday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m.
- Seattle U (27-14, 8-7 WAC) at Grand Canyon (33-9, 9-6 WAC)
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
- Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
- Seattle U at Grand Canyon
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
- Saturday, April 22 at 1 p.m.
- Seattle at Grand Canyon
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
SERIES SWEEP
Seattle U completed a three game sweep of Southern Utah this past weekend, outscoring the Thunderbirds 29-3 with two games ending via the run rule in the fifth inning. The Redhawks opened the weekend with a five-zero shutout victory before exploding for 15 runs to take both games of the doubleheader. Saturday's finale saw another excellent performance at the plate and in the circle, with the Redhawks clinching the sweep after a 9-1 victory.
The series sweep improved the Redhawks to an impressive 27-14 overall with an 8-7 record in WAC play to move them into sixth place, just one game back of second place and two of first place.
RECORD SETTER
Graduate student Olivia Viggiano broke the program's all-time hits record in game two this past weekend, leading off with a single through the left side to mark 236 career hits. Viggiano has already broken the all-time career triples and at bat record earlier in the season and holds the record for most runs scored at 154. The outfielder is also just five away from tying the current all-time career stolen base record at 56. Viggiano enjoyed a strong weekend at the plate, taking the team lead in multi-hit games (16) after going five-for-11 (.455) with four runs scored and three RBIs.
FINDING THEIR SWING
The Redhawks' offense was explosive in the three games against Southern Utah, with five Redhawks starters hitting better than .400 in the series. Madison Kahwaty led the way at the plate, hitting .625 (five-for-eight) with one home run, one double, six RBIs and six runs scored. Kahwaty's no doubter over the left field fence moved her into 10th place all-time in home runs in just two seasons as a Redhawk.
Sydney Frankenberger and Olivia Viggiano tied Kahwaty for the most hits over the weekend at five, while Jocelynn De La Cruz and Tai Wilson smacked two doubles each and the team combined for 43 total bases over the three games. Seattle U also recorded single game season-highs in runs scored (15), hits (16) and RBIs (13).
TOP-TIER PITCHING
The Redhawks pitching staff arguably pitched the best they have all season, allowing just three runs over 17 innings last weekend. Stefanie Madrigal opened the series with a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits and striking out two. Madrigal picked up her WAC leading 13th win of the season, improving her season ERA to 3.05 for the 10th best in the conference.
Naomi Chaidez followed up Madrigal's performance with a strong outing, throwing a complete game with four strikeouts. The Redhawks play some of their best softball when Chaidez is in the circle, improving to 5-1 in games she starts. Luderer sealed the sweep on Saturday, striking out three Thunderbirds in a complete game performance with just one run allowed. Luderer's strong performance benefited from a nice start to the contest, allowing just two base runners in the first three innings and striking out the first two Thunderbirds of the third inning.
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