Anchorage Native McCutcheon Shines in Softball Series for Western Washington

Sophomore slugger raises batting average 18 points in productive GNAC series against Montana State Billings

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:10am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a softball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of Western Washington and Montana State Billings.McCutcheon's productive series against Montana State Billings showcases her growing talent and potential as a key player for the Western Washington softball team.Anchorage Today

Emily McCutcheon, a sophomore softball player from Anchorage, Alaska, had the best Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) series of her career for Western Washington University over the weekend. McCutcheon started three of four games against Montana State Billings and went 3-for-8 at the plate, including a pinch-hit single, an RBI, and a run scored. She also turned her first career double play in the field and raised her batting average 18 points to .263 on the season.

Why it matters

McCutcheon is a rising star for the Western Washington softball program, having been named the Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2022. This productive series against a conference opponent is an encouraging sign as she looks to build on a strong freshman campaign in which she hit .400.

The details

In the series against Montana State Billings, McCutcheon got back on track at the plate after a slow start to the season. In addition to her three hits, she also drew a walk and was hit by a pitch for the first time in her 29-game college career. This was McCutcheon's first two-hit game since February 3, when she hit her first career home run against Colorado Christian.

  • McCutcheon started three of four games against Montana State Billings over the weekend of April 11-13, 2026.
  • She raised her batting average 18 points to .263 through 19 games this season.

The players

Emily McCutcheon

A sophomore softball player at Western Washington University from Anchorage, Alaska. She was named the Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year in 2023 and 2022 and hit .400 as a freshman in 2024 before sitting out last season.

Western Washington University

The NCAA Division II university where McCutcheon plays softball.

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What they’re saying

“Emily McCutcheon had the best GNAC series of her Western Washington University softball career over the weekend.”

— Van Williams, Reporter

What’s next

McCutcheon and the Western Washington softball team will look to build on this productive series as they continue their GNAC schedule.

The takeaway

McCutcheon's breakout performance against Montana State Billings demonstrates her potential as a key contributor for the Western Washington softball program. As a two-time Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year, she has the talent to be a star at the Division II level.