CALDWELL, Idaho – College of Idaho softball showcased strong pitching and timely hitting to sweep Bushnell in a quick-moving doubleheader Friday at Symms Field, securing a 5-1 victory in the opener before rallying late for a 5-4 win in Game 2.
In the first game, the Yotes wasted no time getting on the board, as Halle Campbell ripped a two-run triple in the first inning to bring home Lolo Walker and Chloe Flerchinger. Campbell continued her hot streak at the plate with an RBI single in the third to extend the lead. College of Idaho tacked on two more runs in the fourth, capitalizing on a defensive miscue by Bushnell.
Meanwhile, Abbey Brooks (3-0) delivered a dominant performance in the circle, tossing a complete-game one-hitter. She struck out two and walked three, keeping the Beacons' bats silent apart from a second-inning RBI single from Shyla Mead, which plated Ashlyn Martin for Bushnell's only run of the game.
Bushnell's Emily Cole (2-5) took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits while striking out three in six innings of work.
The second game proved to be a battle, with Bushnell jumping out to a 4-1 lead in the third inning thanks to a pair of home runs. Haleigh Wambolt launched a three-run shot after a leadoff walk and an infield single, followed by a solo home run from Violet Richardson to put the Beacons ahead.
The Yotes responded immediately, chipping away at the deficit. Ashlynn Nixon doubled to left field in the bottom of the third to bring in Hallie Campbell, cutting the lead to 4-2. In the fifth inning, Madelyn Powell advanced to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a groundout by Campbell, tying the game at 4-4.
With the game still deadlocked in the bottom of the seventh, Chloe Flerchinger led off with a double, and pinch-runner Kate Crosby advanced to third on a single by Lolo Walker. A misplay in the outfield allowed Crosby to come home for the walk-off victory, sealing the Yotes' second win of the day.
Reliever Grace Neer (1-0) was outstanding, tossing 4.1 hitless innings while striking out six to earn her first win of the season after taking over for Ambrie Jones.
The Yotes, now back above .500 in conference play, look to carry their momentum into their next CCC matchup next weekend.
