HELENA, Mont. – The College of Idaho softball team responded in a big way on Saturday, sweeping a crucial doubleheader against Carroll College to earn a series split in Cascade Conference action at Nelson Stadium. The Yotes erupted for 22 runs across the two games, showcasing an explosive offense and clutch performances to bounce back from Friday's losses.
Game 1: Yotes' Bats Come Alive in 15-8 Victory
College of Idaho wasted no time setting the tone in the opening game, plating five runs in the first inning behind key hits from Hallie Campbell, Makayla Frias, and Keena Kay. Frias delivered a two-run double, and Kay followed with a two-run double of her own to give the Yotes an early 5-0 lead.
Carroll fought back, using a three-run double from Thomas in the second and a solo home run from Sunchild in the sixth to stay within reach. However, the Yotes continued to apply pressure at the plate, scoring four runs in the fourth inning, including an RBI single from Madelyn Powell and a run-scoring hit from Lolo Walker. The offense didn't slow down, tacking on three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to put the game out of reach.
Campbell led the charge with three hits and four RBIs, while Flerching and Walker each scored three times. The Yotes finished with 18 hits, their highest total of the season, while Drew Williams pitched 5.1 strong innings in relief to earn the win.
Game 2: Yotes Rally from Four-Run Deficit for 7-6 Thriller
In the second game, the Yotes found themselves trailing 6-2 after two innings, but their resilience proved to be the difference. Powell jumpstarted the comeback with a solo home run in the third, cutting the deficit to three.
Audrey Sweet kept the momentum going in the fourth, roping an RBI triple to bring the Yotes within one. Kamryn Ham then stepped up in the sixth with an RBI single to tie the game at 6-6. The decisive moment came in the seventh, when Powell led off with a double, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly from Sydney Lierman.
While the offense delivered in key moments, the Yotes' pitching was just as critical. Ambrie Jones was dominant in relief, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just one run on seven hits. She worked out of multiple jams, stranding runners in scoring position in the fifth and seventh innings to secure the victory.
With the series split, College of Idaho (5-3, 2-2 CCC) leaves Helena with momentum heading into its next Cascade Conference matchup. The Yotes return home looking to build on their offensive surge as they continue league play next weekend.
