Softball team looks to spring season
Spring is approaching, and Utah State softball is gearing up for the 2024 season. After a 26-18 season in 2023, the team is looking to execute a winning season this year with the Moutain West Championship in reach.
The team’s main season is in the spring, but they have already had the chance to play some games.
“The fall season is basically only eight games. Those games are almost more like a scrimmage format. They give you a little bit of an indicator of where you’re going to stand and where you’re going to be going in the season. But you know, once the season starts it’s definitely much different,” said head coach Todd Judge.
Judge started coaching in June and is optimistic about this season and what he thinks they can do.
“I think as a new coach coming in, the goal wasn’t immediately, you know, performance related to endpoint of a record or conference championship or both things, but to change the culture of the program.”
He believes the team he has this year can do that.
“Our goal 100% in the spring has been to win the conference championship and go to the NCAA tournament. If you’re not willing to say it, then it can’t happen,” Judge said.
In the offseason, teams can pick up players.
“One of our big players we got in the portal was Alex Bunton from San Diego State. Alex right now is killing it,” Judge said.
“Kaylee Erickson from BYU was a big pick up, one in the transfer portal we picked up. And then Ali [Ashner]after that we picked up from Arizona,” Judge said.
“Our biggest standout right now, not even a question, is Ariel Fifita. She is playing at a level that, when you’re playing at that level, you can’t wait to go play again,” Judge said.
Fifita has been at USU her whole collegiate career and has been a standout player for the Aggies.
“Just talking to coach Todd, I told him at the beginning of the season that I wanted to bring a 2.0 version of myself compared to last year,” Fifita said.
Fifita has become a leader on the team, and she has been able to grow as a player since last season.
“We have a pretty new team. The chemistry that we are building so far has allowed for my confidence to grow even more,” Fifita said.
Fifita’s batting average is a stellar .500.
“I was kind of just hitting the ball just to hit. Now I’m going up there with a plan and I know my role in the lineup,” Fifita said. “So, versus wanting to get that home run or having those big hits, I know my role is to get on base and to do my job.”
Fifita isn’t the only key player this year. Senior Alex Bunton, who plays third base, transferred from San Diego State and has been a strong player for the Aggies.
“Winning a Mountain West Championship — I know that we have the capability to do so. So, I’m really excited to be able to conquer that,” Bunton said.
Bunton has a batting average of .444 with three home runs.
“I don’t really think much. I think that I overthink a lot. So I try to keep my mind as blank as possible. If I am thinking anything, it’s probably a song,” said Bunton in response to what goes through her head when she steps up to bat.
“As far as mental toughness, I would just say I still go out there wanting to hit the ball hard, but now I have more of a plan,” Fifita said.
Team chemistry is an important part of any sport, especially with a team with new players.
“We have lots of team dinners, team lunches even after games. We are required to kind of sit together, but it doesn’t really feel like a requirement. We kind of all just choose to sit together,” Fifita said.
“Alex Bunton, Giselle Gonzalez, I would also say Brooklyn [Pritchett],” said Fifita about fellow players that have been key parts of the team. She also mentioned Erickson and sophomore Grace Matej.
“The intensity. Our coaching staff does bring out the most intense side of us,” Bunton said.
Aggie softball might have new players this year, but they are bringing the fire with great hitters and team chemistry.
Not only was hitting mentioned, but the pitchers and pitching staff are a huge part of the program. Judge and Fifita mentioned the pitchers and pitching coaches.
“It’s very rare in today’s world to have a pitching staff where it’s not just one person that does a good job. Our staff has done an amazing job as a group,” Judge said.
“Jessica Stewart, Denay Smith, Katie Zuniga — those three players pitching-wise have definitely, you know, come out to the field,” Fifita said.
The Aggies have a current record of 7-7, but they plan to keep winning and even win the conference.
“Coming up this weekend, I think we could very possibly have a 12 and seven record with that intensity that coach Todd does bring us,” said Bunton about games held on March 1.
“I know that we can be a 10, possibly an 11, but as a team, we just got to grow more and be able to become more comfortable and trust each other a little bit more, and I think we’ll be all set,” Bunton said.
The Aggies are set to play Idaho State University on March 19 and Boise State University on March 22-23; all three games will be in Logan.