Pocatello and Idaho Falls Softball Teams Earn Nonconference Wins

Pocatello's Charlie Naylor shines on the mound and at the plate, while Idaho Falls' Kenley Butler and Olivia Cordon lead the Tigers to victory.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:39am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, field, and action. The cubist style creates a dynamic, energetic visual metaphor for the competitive spirit of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-energy softball action between Pocatello and Idaho Falls, capturing the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of the game.Idaho Falls Today

In a light softball schedule on Monday, the Pocatello Thunder and Idaho Falls Tigers each picked up nonconference wins. Pocatello defeated Hillcrest 12-2, with Charlie Naylor striking out eight and also contributing two hits and three RBIs. Idaho Falls beat Teton 7-3, led by a three-hit, three-RBI performance from second baseman Kenley Butler and a home run from Olivia Cordon.

Why it matters

These nonconference matchups provide valuable experience for the teams as they prepare for their respective conference schedules and postseason pushes. Pocatello and Idaho Falls are looking to build momentum and solidify their positions in the Eastern Idaho softball landscape.

The details

For Pocatello, Charlie Naylor was dominant on the mound, holding Hillcrest to just one earned run in six innings of work. He also helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Marki Chilton and Savannah Johnson each drove in a run for Hillcrest. In the Idaho Falls-Teton game, the Tigers scored five runs in the third inning to take control. Kenley Butler had a big day for Idaho Falls, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Olivia Cordon added a home run. Teton's Yuri Chavez had two RBIs for the Timberwolves.

  • The games were played on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Charlie Naylor

The starting pitcher for the Pocatello Thunder, who struck out eight batters and contributed two hits and three RBIs in the win over Hillcrest.

Kenley Butler

The second baseman for the Idaho Falls Tigers, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs in the win over Teton.

Olivia Cordon

A player for the Idaho Falls Tigers who hit a home run in the win over Teton.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great team effort today. Our pitching and defense were solid, and we were able to capitalize on our opportunities at the plate.”

— Charlie Naylor, Pocatello Thunder Pitcher

“We knew we had to come out strong in the third inning, and the team really responded. It's always great to get a win, especially against a tough opponent like Teton.”

— Kenley Butler, Idaho Falls Tigers Second Baseman

What’s next

Both Pocatello and Idaho Falls will look to build on these nonconference wins as they prepare for their respective conference schedules. Pocatello will face off against conference rival Blackfoot on Friday, while Idaho Falls will take on Bonneville on Saturday.

The takeaway

These nonconference victories demonstrate the depth and talent of the softball programs in Eastern Idaho. Pocatello and Idaho Falls have proven they can compete with a variety of opponents, setting the stage for an exciting conference season and potential postseason runs.