Friday, April 10
Abilene
2 p.m.
Abilene Christian
vs
Utah Valley
Photo by: Kate Evans
Freshman Snipes Happy to Deliver in the Circle
4/9/2026 12:40:00 PM | Softball
Alissa Snipes stood in the circle, calm and collected, as she delivered the final pitch in her first collegiate shutout. The ACU freshman pitcher had just authored a complete-game gem in a 7-0 win at Tarleton State, scattering five hits and stranding multiple runners to secure the Wildcats' first shutout victory of the season.
For Snipes, the moment was less about personal achievement and more about lifting her teammates.
"It was just more of a great feeling to be able to help my team achieve that win and just be able to support my team in any way I could, whether that be on the mound or on the bench," Snipes said. "I was just happy that I was able to be a part of it."
Bouncing Back to Herself
The shutout capped a weekend that began with adversity. After being blanked in the first two games, ACU found life in the series finale, scoring early and never looking back.
"It felt pretty great knowing that my team was ready to put those other games in the past," Snipes said. "I knew that I had to put those other games that I had pitched in the past and just bring a new presence when I was on the mound."
That poise has defined Snipes' freshman campaign. After making her debut at No. 2 Texas Tech while still recovering from illness and injury, she's finally settling into the pitcher she knows she can be.
"Now my body is finally able to recover fully and I feel like I'm finally back to where I was in the fall. It's been great knowing that I'm back to who I am and I can help my team achieve some wins."
Finding a Home in Abilene
A Chico, Calif., native, Snipes has found the transition to Abilene seamless.
"It's actually been pretty easy because I feel like Abilene and Chico are such similar towns," she said. "The size and just not being super populated."
The community she's found at ACU has made it even easier.
"Outside of softball, I've loved it," Snipes said. "Every person I've met has been nice to me and has just been so positive and influential in my life. I've met some great friends that I know will be with me the rest of my life."
A Calm Presence Under Pressure
That composure on the field mirrors her future ambitions. A nursing major with a passion for labor and delivery, Snipes discovered her calling during a high school internship at her local hospital.
"I got to help deliver a baby and I just knew then that was exactly what I wanted to do," she said. "It just brought me so much peace and joy, being able to help deliver a life on earth."
The high-pressure moments of softball have prepared her for the intensity of the delivery room.
"I knew that I've been put in so many different stressful situations in softball and just in life," Snipes said. "I knew that I didn't need to panic in those situations, so why panic when delivering a baby? Because panic only causes more problems."
Looking Ahead
With confidence restored and momentum building, Snipes and the Wildcats now turn their attention to a key WAC home series against Utah Valley.
The set begins with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. Friday, and concludes with one game on Saturday at 12 p.m. All three games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+ by the ACUTV crew.
For Snipes, the moment was less about personal achievement and more about lifting her teammates.
"It was just more of a great feeling to be able to help my team achieve that win and just be able to support my team in any way I could, whether that be on the mound or on the bench," Snipes said. "I was just happy that I was able to be a part of it."
Bouncing Back to Herself
The shutout capped a weekend that began with adversity. After being blanked in the first two games, ACU found life in the series finale, scoring early and never looking back.
"It felt pretty great knowing that my team was ready to put those other games in the past," Snipes said. "I knew that I had to put those other games that I had pitched in the past and just bring a new presence when I was on the mound."
That poise has defined Snipes' freshman campaign. After making her debut at No. 2 Texas Tech while still recovering from illness and injury, she's finally settling into the pitcher she knows she can be.
"Now my body is finally able to recover fully and I feel like I'm finally back to where I was in the fall. It's been great knowing that I'm back to who I am and I can help my team achieve some wins."
Finding a Home in Abilene
A Chico, Calif., native, Snipes has found the transition to Abilene seamless.
"It's actually been pretty easy because I feel like Abilene and Chico are such similar towns," she said. "The size and just not being super populated."
The community she's found at ACU has made it even easier.
"Outside of softball, I've loved it," Snipes said. "Every person I've met has been nice to me and has just been so positive and influential in my life. I've met some great friends that I know will be with me the rest of my life."
A Calm Presence Under Pressure
That composure on the field mirrors her future ambitions. A nursing major with a passion for labor and delivery, Snipes discovered her calling during a high school internship at her local hospital.
"I got to help deliver a baby and I just knew then that was exactly what I wanted to do," she said. "It just brought me so much peace and joy, being able to help deliver a life on earth."
The high-pressure moments of softball have prepared her for the intensity of the delivery room.
"I knew that I've been put in so many different stressful situations in softball and just in life," Snipes said. "I knew that I didn't need to panic in those situations, so why panic when delivering a baby? Because panic only causes more problems."
Looking Ahead
With confidence restored and momentum building, Snipes and the Wildcats now turn their attention to a key WAC home series against Utah Valley.
The set begins with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. Friday, and concludes with one game on Saturday at 12 p.m. All three games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+ by the ACUTV crew.
Players Mentioned
RHP
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