Utah Tech University athletics returned to action this past week and saw some career-highs on the court and on the diamond.
Baseball
UT traveled to face California State University, Bakersfield Feb. 18 and won 14-4. First baseman Miller Durham hit his and the Trailblazers’ first home run of the season. Eight different Trailblazers had hits on the day.
They continued their road trip as they faced the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. In the first of a three-game series, the Trailblazers fell 3-4. Second baseman Kyle McDaniel had two hits and a run while extending his on-base streak to 47 games, the longest in the program’s NCAA history.
In Game 2, UT bounced back in a 2-1 win. McDaniel hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning to get the scoring started for the Trailblazers.
The home run also extended McDaniels hit streak to 21 games, tied for the longest in program history.
The Trailblazers clinched the series in an 8-5 win in Game 3. Third baseman Ryan Kroepel had a two-run home run while going 2-3 from the plate.
With the win, Utah Tech improves to 7-1 while already eclipsing last season’s win total.
The Trailblazers will return to St. George Feb. 27 as they host the University of Northern Colorado.
Women’s basketball
Utah Tech faced the University of Texas, Arlington at home Feb. 18 and picked up a 60-58 win. Guard Kaylee Borden had a career-high 29 points in the win. It was her eighth game of 20 or more points this season.
The Trailblazers then hosted Tarleton State University and won 76-55. Redshirt senior Brie Crittendon tied her career-high with 23 points. Four other Trailblazers also finished in double figures in scoring.
The two-game winning streak brings UT to 8-17 ahead of a road game at Abilene Christian University Feb. 26.
Men’s basketball
UT traveled to face UT Arlington and lost 50-63. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak as UT was held to a season-low 50 points. Ethan Potter had his sixth double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Trailblazers.
The Trailblazers rebounded with an 80-72 win at Tarleton State. Guard Chance Trujillo had his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Jusaun Holt also added 19 points to share the lead in scoring.
“We gotta just take care of our business,” head coach Jon Judkins said. “We got three games left, two at home. We gotta take care of those, and then we go play our rival away. Our next three games are gonna be almost like a tournament.”
After the win, UT is 17-12 and second in the Western Athletic Conference standings. UT returns home to face Abilene Christian Feb. 26.
Softball
The Trailblazers opened their home slate Feb. 20 with a 14-11 win over the University of California, Davis, and a 12-2 win over CSU Bakersfield. Sophomore Kinley Pappas notched a double, triple, two runs and an an RBI in the win over UC Davis.
The following day, UT went 1-1 after a 0-9 loss against UC Davis and a 10-8 win against CSU Bakersfield. Gabi Giroux went 3-4 with an RBI in the win over UC Davis.
UT wrapped up the weekend with a 13-5 win over Weber State University. Pappas set a program record with three home runs while going 3-3 from the plate with 6 RBIs and four runs.
The Trailblazers will host Weber State Feb. 26.
Women’s golf
UT placed 12th out of 19 teams in the Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational. Jane Olson and Mia Cesarek led the team as they tied for 30th place.
The Trailblazers will tee off again March 6-8 at the Southern Utah/Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invite.
For more information about Utah Tech athletics, click here.
