CALDWELL, Idaho — Simpson used early offense and a dominant pitching performance in the opener to sweep a CCC doubleheader from the College of Idaho on Friday at Symms Field, winning 6-0 and 8-5.
The Yotes (28-18, 11-12 CCC) were limited offensively in game one before responding with 11 hits in the nightcap, but couldn't overcome a big early deficit.
Simpson (17-29, 11-12) set the tone right away in the opener behind Grace Chojnacki, who led off the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning. The Red Hawks added a run in the third on an RBI single from Brianna Lopez-Cortez before breaking the game open in the fourth.
Simpson capitalized on a pair of College of Idaho errors in the inning, scoring three times, highlighted by an RBI single from Nicolena Holen and a run-scoring groundout by Olivia Bicondova. Ariel Schulzkump added an RBI single in the fifth to cap the scoring.
Jacquelyn Lujan was sharp in the circle for Simpson, tossing a complete-game shutout while striking out 13 and allowing just five hits without a walk.
The Yotes scattered five hits in the loss, getting one apiece from Kina Watts, Madelyn Powell, Isabella Fazzio, Chloe Flerchinger and Hallie Campbell.
Game two saw Simpson strike quickly again, plating five runs in the first inning to seize control. The Red Hawks finished with 10 hits, with Lopez-Cortez scoring twice and Nayzeth Gonzalez adding two runs. Simpson also showed extra-base power with multiple doubles, including hits from Gonzalez and Bicondova.
College of Idaho responded after a quiet start, breaking through with three runs in the third and adding two more in the fifth to cut into the deficit. Powell led the Yotes offensively with three RBIs, while Lena Zahniser drove in two. Watts and Fazzio each contributed multiple hits as C of I outhit Simpson 11-10.
The Yotes brought the tying run to the plate late, but Simpson was able to close it out to secure the sweep.
College of Idaho will look to bounce back as the series continues Saturday at Symms Field.
