ASHLAND, Ore. - The College of Idaho softball team opened NAIA Opening Round play with a thrilling 9-6 victory over Keiser University (Fla.) on Monday, before their second contest against Southern Oregon was suspended due to rain in the fourth inning with the Yotes trailing 2-1.
In the opener, the Yotes (27-18) struck early and never relinquished the lead, putting up three runs in the first inning behind a two-RBI double from Lolo Walker. Madelyn Powell added three hits, two runs, and an RBI to pace a 17-hit attack, while Audrey Sweet sealed the win with a two-run homer in the seventh.
Keiser rallied from a 6-1 deficit to make it a one-run game in the fifth, but the Yotes' bullpen held firm. Abbey Brooks (13-7) earned the win, allowing just two earned runs over four innings, while Grace Neer closed it out with a three-inning save.
In the day's second game, College of Idaho jumped ahead 1-0 in the fourth on an RBI single from Lena Zahniser that plated Powell. However, Southern Oregon responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning, one on a fielder's choice by Faith Moultrie and another on a wild pitch before the game was halted due to rain.
The Yotes collected four hits off SOU ace Ayla Davies, including a triple by Powell and two base hits from Zahniser. Brooks started in the circle and gave up six hits and two earned runs before being relieved by Neer.
The suspended game will resume Tuesday at 11 a.m. PT at University Field. The winner will advance in the Ashland bracket of the NAIA Opening Round.
