Portland State University’s softball team will finish its regular season with a three-game series against Sacramento State on April 24 and 25. The games, which will be played at Shea Stadium in Sacramento, California, mark the Vikings’ first road series in nearly three weeks.
The outcome of this weekend’s games could impact the final standings in the Big Sky Conference. Portland State enters the series with a record of 14-27 overall and 4-8 in conference play, while Sacramento State stands at 27-17 overall and is tied for third place in the conference. With several teams closely bunched in the standings, tournament seedings remain uncertain.
Sacramento State’s pitching staff has led their performance this season with a conference-best earned run average of 3.02. Senior outfielder Lafulafu Malepeai leads their offense with a .403 batting average, and as a team they rank third in hitting within the conference. In previous matchups during the past year, Sacramento State won three out of four meetings against Portland State.
For Portland State, senior pitcher Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung was recently named Big Sky Pitcher of the Week after recording two complete game wins last weekend against Northern Colorado. She leads her team with a 3.68 ERA and has thrown thirteen complete games this season.
Leadoff hitter Grace Johnson has been consistent offensively for Portland State, leading her team with a .365 batting average and breaking school records for stolen bases earlier this month. The Vikings have also improved defensively compared to last year’s performance.
The conclusion of these games will determine not only postseason positioning but also whether Portland State can secure its first series win over Sacramento State since sweeping them in Hillsboro in 2021.
