Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
8-12
Weber State
6-15
A Younger Team Has its Benefits
3/8/2025 6:44:00 PM | Softball
First two games of the series end in a standstill
Marathons aren't won in the first mile.
Rather, they are claimed over the many footsteps that lead to the finish line—step by step, play by play. Colorado State softball embodied that mindset in its third home game of the season against Weber State in a four-game series, where every inning played was another stride toward the finish line.
The first two matchups of the series on Saturday resulted in a 1-1 split, with CSU taking the opener 11-7 before Weber State responded with a 9-7 win in game two. With the series deadlocked heading into Sunday, the Rams remained unfazed, prepared to battle through another day of competition.
"It's about having fun," Jailey Wilson said. "Never try to make it too big or get too in your head. Just always have fun and try not to make the biggest deal out of things. If we do that, we'll be just fine."
Wilson was a force at the plate in game one, recording one run, two hits, and driving in four RBIs to bolster the Rams' offense. While her offensive output shined early, she took on a more defensive role in the second game, holding down first base and keeping Weber State's hitters in check.
Another standout on the day was true freshman Kyra Smith, who delivered a clutch performance in game two. With three runs, a home run, and four RBIs, Smith showcased her ability to perform under pressure, adding an explosive presence to the Rams' lineup.
"I feel really good," Smith said. "It helps with my confidence. I have a lot of confidence right now, and I know whatever they throw at me, I can hit it. Just knowing we have each other's backs, no matter what, makes all the difference."
While Smith is still acclimating to the Division I stage, junior pitcher Giselle Bentley has been a mainstay in CSU's rotation. She set the tone in game one by shutting out Weber State through the first four innings, proving to be a stabilizing force for the Rams in the circle.
However, it wasn't just Bentley's arm making an impact. Raegan Wick took the reins for the entire second game, providing consistency and endurance in the circle. Head coach Jen Fisher acknowledged the importance of mixing up the pitching rotation, something the Rams have focused on developing this season.
"It's been really nice," Fisher said. "Reagan and Giselle, especially, give quite a different look with their handedness. I think we're trying to diversify. The pitchers keep coming back, working hard every single week. We've got to help our team stay in ball games because we want to win."
The variation in pitching styles is a valuable asset for CSU, keeping opponents on their toes and disrupting their rhythm at the plate. A change in the pitcher's circle can shift the momentum of a game, forcing the opposing team to readjust mid-contest.
With a younger team still finding its rhythm, leadership and experience play a crucial role in guiding the squad forward. Wilson emphasized the importance of upperclassmen setting the tone for the underclassmen, ensuring that the program's foundation remains strong for years to come.
"I think all the girls are really good and have a lot of potential," Wilson said. "They have a great upperclassmen staff in front of them. So, I think just watching and learning, so that when (the upperclassmen) are gone, they know exactly what to do and take over."
Though Saturday's results weren't the ultimate goal, they provided valuable lessons for the Rams as they prepared for Sunday's decisive game.
The tied series didn't just leave them hungry for victory—it ignited a fire within the team, pushing them to elevate their performance.
"Since it's split, we do want to win," Wilson said. "But I think it lights a fire in us because we don't want to tie. So, I just feel like we're all very excited. We just have to stay up and stay confident in ourselves."
With the series on the line, the Rams embrace the opportunity to prove themselves once more. Each pitch, swing, and defensive stand brings them closer to crossing the finish line—not just in this series, but in their season-long journey toward growth and success.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Bentley, Giselle (3-6)
L: MCCRAW, Cali (2-2)
Batting:
2B: BIRKINSHAW, Olivia 1 ; GRUNDY, Abby 1 ; RICHARDSON, Eva 1
3B: SMITH, Taegan 1 ; MCMAHON, Jordan 1
HR: RICHARDSON, Eva 1
RBI: GRUNDY, Abby 4 ; RICHARDSON, Eva 3
SH: SMITH, Taegan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: SMITH, Taegan 1 ; KIRK, Sadie 1 ; BIRKINSHAW, Olivia 2 ; GRUNDY, Abby 2 ; RICHARDSON, Eva 1
SB: WHALEN, Riley 1 ; MCMAHON, Jordan 1
Batting:
2B: Smith, Kyra 1 ; West, Jordan 1 ; Stucky, Lauren 1
3B: Rutherford, Autumn 1 ; Wilson, Jailey 1
HR: Smith, Kyra 1
RBI: Smith, Kyra 4 ; Wilson, Jailey 4 ; West, Jordan 1 ; Stucky, Lauren 1 ; Edwards, Abby 1
SH: English, Kaylynn 1 ; Stucky, Lauren 1
SF: West, Jordan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Rutherford, Autumn 1 ; English, Kaylynn 1 ; Bohlender, Brooke 2 ; Castillo, Clarissa 1 ; Smith, Kyra 3 ; Wilson, Jailey 1 ; West, Jordan 1 ; Stucky, Lauren 1
HBP: Bohlender, Brooke 1 ; West, Jordan 1
