The Portland State softball team will travel to Pocatello for a three-game series against Idaho State, the preseason favorite in the Big Sky Conference, on April 3 and 4. The Vikings are seeking their first conference win after starting Big Sky play with three losses.
This matchup is important as it pits Portland State (10-22, 0-3) against an Idaho State squad (25-14, 2-1) that leads the conference in several offensive categories and recently claimed two wins over Weber State. The games will be played at Miller Ranch Stadium, with a doubleheader scheduled for Friday and a single game on Saturday.
Idaho State enters the weekend leading the league with a .316 batting average, .392 on-base percentage, and 48 home runs. Their pitching staff holds opponents to a .276 average and has posted a 4.06 earned run average this season. In contrast, Portland State is hitting .252 as a team with standout performances from leadoff hitter Grace Johnson (.402 average) and freshman Mia Martinez (17 RBI). Johnson also leads the conference with 14 stolen bases this season.
The Vikings have historically performed well against Idaho State, holding an all-time series lead of 33-22. However, last year saw Idaho State secure its first series win over Portland State in five seasons by taking two of three games. This weekend marks Portland State’s first true road series at Idaho State since the 2022 season; their most recent trip was relocated due to stadium construction.
Portland State’s defense currently tops the Big Sky with a .965 fielding percentage after finishing last season at .931. Senior pitcher Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung recently threw her second career no-hit shutout—her third no-hitter since joining the program—and was named Big Sky Co-Pitcher of the Week for her performance.
Head coach Meadow McWhorter reached her milestone 150th career win earlier this year at Cal State Fullerton. The Vikings’ roster features both experienced returners and newcomers as they look to improve upon last year’s fifth-place finish in conference play.
