Storm Goes 1-1 on Day One of Crossover Tournament
Softball fans witnessed an intense showdown between Chemeketa and Everett. Despite an explosive start by Everett, Chemeketa made significant attempts to catch up but ultimately fell short.
The game began with a dominant performance by Everett, scoring five runs in the first inning. Their offensive drive was highlighted by key hits from K. Holden, who secured three RBIs with a double and a triple, and E. Wise, who contributed with three hits and an RBI. Chemeketa struggled initially, remaining scoreless until the third inning when they managed to put a single run on the board.
Everett maintained their offensive momentum into the third inning, amassing six more runs, which gave them a commanding lead. Chemeketa found a spark in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring a total of five runs, including contributions from J. Rule, who hit both a double and a triple during the game, driving in two runs. However, Everett's defense, coupled with their early-game offensive burst, proved too much for Chemeketa to overcome.
Chemeketa, despite the loss, showcased notable performances from J. Rule, who was pivotal in their scoring attempts, and C. Weaving and A. Wilsey, who contributed with multiple hits. Unfortunately, they were hampered by three fielding errors which cost them dearly.
On the mound, Chemeketa's L. DeLoe faced a tough lineup, allowing 13 runs (10 earned) on 13 hits over six innings. Everett's pitching was spearheaded by T. Takayoshi, who battled through 5.1 innings, conceding six runs on nine hits. A. Hermansen provided strong relief, allowing just one hit over 1.2 innings and securing the win for Everett.
Despite Chemeketa's resilience and fight, they were unable to bridge the gap created by Everett's explosive first and third innings. The match ended with a final score of 13-6 in favor of Everett.
In a commanding performance on the diamond, the Chemeketa overwhelmed Spokane Colleges Softball with a resounding 17-2 victory, demonstrating their offensive prowess and solid defense. The emphatic win was marked by a series of explosive innings and standout performances from Chemeketa's lineup, showing why they are a team to watch this season.
Chemeketa took charge early in the game, delivering a prolific first inning where they scored a staggering 10 runs. The offensive storm was highlighted by crucial hits from Ruby Shumaker and Mckayla Dodge, with Dodge homering to bring in multiple runs. Jessica Rule and Zoe Moore also added to the scorecard with home runs that left Spokane's defense scrambling.
The momentum continued for Chemeketa in the second and third innings, as they added six more runs. Shumaker and Dodge remained central to Chemeketa's success, contributing significantly both with their bats and strategic base running. Dodge, who was particularly outstanding in her role as both catcher and batter, accumulated a total of four RBIs, while her teammate Jessica Rule, who also pitched the entire game, supported her with three RBIs and a home run of her own.
Spokane Colleges managed to get on the scoreboard in the first inning due to a fielding error by Chemeketa and again in the second inning with a double by Jayden Gagner. However, they struggled to maintain any momentum against the relentless pitching of Rule, who conceded just two runs over five innings while keeping Spokane at bay with six strikeouts and minimal walks.
Chemeketa's overwhelming victory was not just a testament to their batting strength but also to their strategic execution on the field. While Spokane fought valiantly, their efforts were overshadowed by their opponent's relentless assault. Chemeketa's defense, remained cohesive to contain Spokane's advances and secure the win.
With this victory, Chemeketa CC Storm continues to cement their reputation as a formidable force in college softball, showing depth in their squad and adaptability in their gameplay. As they progress through the season, they will aim to maintain this high level of performance with eyes set on further successes.