With one series left to play this season, Sacramento State softball needs to win one more game for a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament. 

But Idaho State, who is 26-20 overall, 12-3 in conference, stands in their way as an enormous road block.  It currently leads the Big Sky with a .342 batting average and 69 home runs. 

Sac State head coach Kathy Strahan is focused on getting a win this weekend so the team can play one more week. 

“We are only are worried about making it into the conference tournament with a win,” Strahan said. “Once we do that, then we will worry about who we are facing next weekend.” 

The Hornets need everyone on deck to help pull off a couple of wins this weekend. Strahan is confident her team can at least win one game against Idaho State. 

“Everyone needs to step up this weekend, we only have one week left in the regular season,” Strahan said. “We need to win at least one to play one more week.” 

The Bengals are led by their sophomore catcher Vicky Galasso, who is second in the nation with a .481 batting average and ranks 15^th in the nation as well in home runs and RBIs. 

However, Sac State is looking to rely on its pitching. Led by its ace Caitlin Brooks, who sports a 1.40 ERA this season that ranks her 18^th in the nation, Sac State leads the Big Sky conference with its 2.04 ERA. 

“Our pitchers are working hard this week and the hitters are going to work hard not to leave runners in scoring position,” senior third baseman Emily McCormick said. 

Unlike Idaho State, the Hornets’ offense has been struggling getting runners across the plate. 

Last week against Portland State, the Hornets left runners on base nine times. 

Strahan said the Hornets need to be more consistent with the offense this weekend because of Idaho State’s ability to score runs at will this year. 

“We have to have those timely hits instead of leaving base runners in scoring position like we have done before this season,” Strahan said.

Sac State will start this final series Saturday with the first pitch coming at 1 p.m.

Clifton can be reached on Twittter at @jonesSHsports