KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – For the first time since 2016, Eastern Oregon has claimed the Cascade Collegiate Conference Softball Tournament Championship. The Mounties defeated Southern Oregon for the second time in two days at John and Lois Stilwell Stadium, winning by a final score of 5-3.
The Mountaineers initiated the scoring early in the first inning, with Hannah Tyree crossing home plate after Madison Olson powered an RBI double into left field.
Southern Oregon countered in the second inning, knotting the game after a throwing error led to Jordan Henderson scoring the unearned run. Their momentum carried into the third inning, with Kailer Fulton scoring on a sacrifice fly from Sammie Pemberton, putting the Raiders ahead by one score.
The Mounties flipped the game on its head in the third inning when Hannah Tyree reached second on a rare bunt double, allowing Addison Ribordy to score and Katelynn Evans to reach third. Shortly after, Evans made her way home following Olson’s second RBI of the contest, regaining the 3-2 lead.
Both teams stayed scoreless in the fourth inning, followed by a Raider RBI single from Hannah Clavelle that tied the game once again in the fifth. However, Hannah Tyree continued her dominant afternoon, sending a homer over the left-center fence to score two runs and give the Mounties a 5-3 advantage.
With the bases loaded in the sixth, Faith Moultrie singled to shortstop allowing Piper Love to score for the Raiders and close the gap to just one run. Kylie Parsons took to the circle for the Mounties, expertly navigating through the bases-loaded situation to close out the final two innings and secure the game, ensuring the Tournament Championship for Eastern Oregon.
“So proud of this team to come into the conference tournament and win three tough games,” said Head Coach Nicole Christian. “Their heart and grit is unmatched! Can’t wait for our next destination!”
Cascade Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Year Kaylie Hoskins earned the victory after tossing eight strikeouts, advancing to 15-3 on the season. Parsons was credited with her second save of the season, closing out the final 1.2 innings without allowing a run.
Kennedy Kila was credited with the loss after allowing two earned runs in 2.1 innings pitched.
The duo of Katelynn Evans and Hannah Tyree led the Mounties at the plate, each recording two hits with Tyree responsible for three runs batted in. Madison Olson also finished the game with two RBI for Eastern Oregon, while Karly Hanosky and Addison Ribordy chipped in with hits of their own.
Sarah Kerling led the Raiders with two hits, while Moultrie, Clavelle, and Sammie Pemberton were responsible for the three Southern Oregon runs batted in.
With the victory, Eastern Oregon moves to 37-8 on the season, clinching an automatic bid to the 43rd Annual NAIA Softball National Championships, with opening rounds set to begin May 13th. The official bracket will be revealed tomorrow during the 2024 NAIA Softball Selection Show, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.
