SPRINGFIELD, Ore. The College of Idaho softball team closed its road series at Bushnell University on a high note, securing a conference series victory before finishing the weekend with a nonconference win on Saturday.
After splitting Thursday's Cascade Collegiate Conference doubleheader, the Yotes responded with authority in game three of the series, using a late offensive surge to pull away for a 9-4 victory and clinch the four-game conference set, 3-1. The College of Idaho carried that momentum into the finale, earning a 7-3 nonconference win behind balanced offense and steady pitching.
In the decisive conference contest, The College of Idaho struck early and finished strong. The Yotes plated three unearned runs in the opening inning and never relinquished control, weathering several Bushnell rallies before breaking the game open in the seventh.
Lena Zahniser delivered the decisive blow, driving in two runs during a four-run inning, while
Marti Anderson followed with a two-run single to put the game out of reach.
Zahniser finished the game with four RBIs, while
Kina Watts and
Madelyn Powell combined for five hits and four runs scored at the top of the lineup. In the circle,
Rylee Smith provided stability in relief, holding the Beacons to two runs over the final 5 1/3 innings as the Yotes defense played clean softball, committing no errors.
The closing game of the weekend saw The College of Idaho continue to apply pressure from start to finish in a 7-3 victory.
Madelyn Powell highlighted the effort with an inside-the-park home run in the opening inning, setting the tone early. The Yotes built a multi-run cushion through timely hitting, including RBI singles from
Emily Hughes,
Kayla Vahlberg and
Quincy Cronquist.
Rylee Smith again anchored the pitching effort, tossing a complete game and allowing just three runs while scattering six hits. Offensively, the Yotes totaled 11 hits, with Powell, Hughes and
Kamryn Ham all contributing key moments on the base paths as The College of Idaho controlled the tempo throughout.
With the series win, the Yotes strengthened their position in the CCC standings and wrapped up their road schedule in confident fashion.
The College of Idaho will return home to Symms Field for the final series of the regular season, hosting Simpson University beginning April 24. First pitch of the opening doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.
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