CALDWELL, Idaho — College of Idaho softball capped a dominant weekend at Symms Field with two more wins over Providence (Mont.) on Saturday, taking a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory in Game 1 before erupting for a 16-2 run-rule rout in Game 2 to sweep the four-game Cascade Conference series.
In the opener, Madelyn Powell delivered the walk-off blow, roping a double to center in the bottom of the seventh to score Ashlynn Nixon and secure a 5-4 win. Powell finished 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, while Nixon, Lena Zahniser, and Hallie Campbell each drove in a run. Reliever Apple Acklin (2-0) earned the win, retiring the final three batters in order after Providence tied the game in the top of the seventh.
The Argos (8-22, 4-17 CCC) showed fight behind homers from Kasidy Yeoman and Sydnee Weber, with Weber's two-run shot briefly giving Providence a 3-2 lead in the sixth.
Game 2 was all Yotes (25-9, 15-7 CCC). College of Idaho exploded for 16 runs on 11 hits, scoring in every inning and ending the game in five via run rule. Audrey Sweet powered the offense with a grand slam and five RBIs, while Keena Kay crushed a second grand slam in the fourth to punctuate a seven-run inning. Kamryn Ham added two hits and two RBIs, and catcher Sydney Jund chipped in with two RBIs of her own.
Grace Neer (5-1) picked up the win in the circle, scattering six hits and allowing just one earned run over five innings.
Yeoman continued to pace the Argos at the plate, finishing the day 3-for-3 in the finale.
The Yotes, now winners of five straight, head into next weekend's road trip riding a surge of momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.
