CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho softball team salvaged a split in its home-opening doubleheader Friday, dropping the opener 3-0 before rallying for a 5-4 victory over Carroll College at Symms Field.
Carroll took Game 1 behind a four-hit shutout from Kennedy Venner. College of Idaho's best chance came in the fifth when catcher Hallie Campbell tripled, but she was stranded at third.
The Yotes answered in Game 2 with early pressure and key execution. In the first inning, outfielder Kamryn Ham reached on an error, stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Kina Watts. College of Idaho added three more in the third. Infielder Audrey Sweet delivered the game's biggest swing, driving a two-run triple into left field, and Watts followed with her second sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.
Carroll tied the game with two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth, but the Yotes responded immediately. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, senior outfielder Madelyn Powell drew a walk, and freshman catcher Haiylee Reeves ripped a double to right-center to score Powell and give the Yotes a 5-4Â lead. That RBI proved decisive.
Senior pitcher Rylee Smith threw a complete game, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits with one strikeout. She ended the game with runners on the corners in the seventh by fielding a sharp comebacker and starting a 1-6-3-2 double play that cut down Carroll's Kati Slater at the plate.
College of Idaho improved to 9-3 with the win and secured a positive finish to its first home date of the season.
