Utah Softball 2003 Season Review

June 2, 2003

Culminated by a tough start on the road and several lost games due to inclement weather, the 2003 campaign turned out to be just the fifth losing season since Utah softball was introduced in 1976. Overall, Utah compiled a 20-27 record, while going 7-9 in league play. The Utes finished fourth during the Mountain West Conference regular season and were eliminated in two games at the conference tourney.

"We never got in a flow," said Head Coach Mona Stevens. "We couldn't get a consistency going to help get out the kinks. Part of that was the weather and the other part was the amount of traveling we did. We just never could get our team chemistry right to get on the right foot."

The rain and snow combined to cancel 14 Utah outings this season, including seven home games. Through the course of the year, the Utes battled eight ranked opponents, including then-No. 1 and now national champion UCLA. But, the struggles continued with the best teams in the country as Utah managed to beat just one of those ranked opponents.

Utah's biggest surprise was the tale of two seasons for the offense and defense, which essentially confirms Stevens thoughts of the lack of consistency. During the non-conference schedule, the Ute pitching staff boasted a 2.16 ERA, while holding opponents to a .230 batting average. The flip side to that was the offense struggled with a team batting average of .246 and just 12 home runs in 31 games. Through the conference schedule, which included 16 games, Utah's offense hit .292 and knocked 15 homers. But, the pitching staff struggled posting a league worst 4.30 ERA.

The highlight to Utah's season was the individual play of several players. Niki Hayhurst compiled an impressive season, boasting a team-high .371 batting average. The senior also led the Utes with eight home runs, 11 doubles, a .652 slugging percentage and a .494 on base percentage. Hayhurst wrapped up her four-year career as one of Utah's best hitters. The four-time all-MWC honoree, ranks third in the Ute record books with a career batting average of .343 and is the all-time walks leader (106). She ranks third in career doubles (41), fourth in career RBI (141) and fifth in career home runs (32).

"Anytime you lose someone with Niki's ability, you will feel it," admited Stevens. "She was one of the best and most solid hitters this program has had. I really feel like she came into her game this year and did her best to weather everything that was thrown at her at the plate. Even though she has had other great seasons, this one really summed up the great career she had at Utah."

The freshmen class carried its load during the year. Three freshmen became regulars in the line up, while two others saw several innings of playing time. Of the freshmen, Lynsey Wall and Ivette Hernandez composed the best seasons.

Lynsey Wall racked up several honors for her debut effort. Wall, a Farmington, Utah, native was named to the all-MWC and all-MWC Tournament teams. She tied for the team lead with 29 RBI and was tied for second with six homers. Wall, who is a catcher, moved into left field and was so successful she earned the team's defensive player of the year award.

"Every now and then you have a player that is a pleasant surprise. Lynsey not only reached our expectations, but went beyond them. She was absolutely tremendous for a freshman. She'll do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if we stick her in a new situation or position. It's her no fear attitude that helps her achieve this success," said Stevens.

Ivette Hernandez finished second on the team with a .330 batting average, a .476 slugging percentage and a .430 on base percentage. The Sylmar, Calif., native filled the designated player position, but is expected to play first base next year.

Juco transfer Glennis Donnelly made the transition from the junior college to Division I level a successful one. The St. Louis, Mo., native was third on the team with a .281 average, and second with 27 RBI and 10 doubles. She earned Player of the Week and all-MWC nods for her effort.

"Glennis gained some confidence and really came into her own during the last half of the season," noted Stevens. "We're excited to get her back and keep her going from where she left off this year. She's a natural athlete and one of the keys to our defense. Her and Melissa Stahnke (third baseman) were very good at the end of the year. It is nice knowing our left side will be back next season."

Looking ahead to next season, Stevens is very excited. Knowing her infield will be back, except Hayhurst, she is aware of the experience and talent she will boast. "It's tough to lose Niki, but Ivette practiced behind her all year and is ready to step in at first," said Stevens. Also returning for Utah will be Stahnke, who is already Utah's career home run leader after just three seasons.

Where They Finished
Career Batting Average
3rd     Niki Hayhurst    .343
Career Home Runs
1st     Melissa Stahnke  444th     Niki Hayhurst    32
Career RBI
3rd     Melissa Stahnke  1424th     Niki Hayhurst    141
Career Walks
1st     Niki Hayhurst    106
Career Doubles
3rd     Niki Hayhurst    412nd     Niki Hayhurst    1,450

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Ivette Hernandez

Lynsey Wall

Upcoming Event: Softball versus UCSB on February 6, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus UCLA on February 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus LMU on February 7, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus UC Riverside on February 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Long Beach State on February 8, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus California on February 13, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball at Santa Clara on February 13, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Illinois State University on February 14, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball at San Jose State on February 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Completed Event: Softball versus Weber State on October 14, 2025

Completed Event: Softball versus Northern Colorado on October 5, 2025

Completed Event: Softball versus Northern Colorado on October 4, 2025

Completed Event: Softball at Colorado State University on October 4, 2025

Completed Event: Softball versus Utah Valley on October 2, 2025

Completed Event: Softball versus Salt Lake Community College on September 23, 2025

Completed Event: Softball versus No. 7 Seed UCF on May 7, 2025 , Loss , 5, to, 7

Completed Event: Softball at No. 23 Oklahoma State on May 4, 2025 , Loss , 1, to, 4

Completed Event: Softball at No. 23 Oklahoma State on May 3, 2025 , Loss , 0, to, 5

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