CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho softball team spoiled No. 2-ranked Oregon Tech's bid for a full series sweep on Saturday, earning a 4-1 victory in the non-conference finale at Symms Field.
After the Owls clinched a Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) sweep with wins in Friday's doubleheader and Saturday's first game, the Yotes responded, handing Oregon Tech just its seventh loss of the season.
Following the victory, College of Idaho celebrated its 11-member senior class: Isabella Qunell, Abbey Brooks, Keena Kay, Ambrie Jones, Ashlynn Nixon, Sydney Lierman, Brinley Iverson, Apple Acklin, Maya Torrez, Jiovana Nuanez, and Makayla Frias.
Senior Abbey Brooks capped her home career in style, tossing a complete-game gem with nine hits allowed, just one earned run, and four strikeouts. Ashlynn Nixon powered the offense, finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
After Oregon Tech struck first in the third inning, Nixon tied the game with an RBI single. Sydney Lierman later forced in a run with a bases-loaded walk, giving C of I a lead it would not relinquish. In the sixth, the Yotes tacked on two insurance runs from Nixon and Lolo Walker thanks to a passed ball.
Earlier in the day, Oregon Tech claimed a 5-3 win to complete the CCC sweep. The Owls jumped ahead to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the second and added a solo home run from Puakea Milbourne, while the Yotes saw home runs from Hallie Campbell and Audrey Sweet to stay within striking distance.
College of Idaho secured the No. 5 seed for the CCC Championships, which will be hosted by Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Yotes open tournament play Friday at 9 a.m. PT against the University of British Columbia.
