CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho softball team battled hard but ultimately fell in both games of Friday's doubleheader against No. 2-ranked Oregon Tech at Symms Field. The Yotes (25-15, 14-12 CCC) were blanked in Game 1, 9-0, and dropped a close 4-1 decision in Game 2.
In the opener, the Owls (40-6, 22-4 CCC) struck early and often, scoring seven runs in the first two innings. C of I struggled to find offensive rhythm, managing just three hits while stranding eight runners. Abbey Brooks (11-6) took the loss in the circle, while Oregon Tech's Kacie Schmidt (21-3) tossed six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts to earn the win. Nita Cook led the Owls with three hits on the game.
Game 2 proved more competitive. Sophomore catcher Sydney Jund gave the Yotes an early spark with a solo home run in the second inning, her first of her career, to give C of I a 1-0 lead. However, the Owls answered with a three-run homer by Puakea Milbourne in the sixth and added an insurance run in the seventh. Despite a solid complete game from Gracie Neer (6-2), the Yotes couldn't rally late against a tough OIT bullpen.
The series concludes Saturday at 11 a.m. MT with another doubleheader at Symms Field. Senior student-athletes will be honored at the conclusion of the final game as part of the team's annual Senior Day celebration.
