LA GRANDE, Ore. - The 23rd-ranked Corban University softball team closed out the weekend road trip with split results, defeating Eastern Oregon University in game one on Saturday, 10-7, before dropping the second contest of the day, 6-4. The doubleheader split gives Corban a 4-2 record on the week.

In the first game of the day in chilly La Grande, the Warriors trailed after four frames, 2-1, but a three-run fifth inning put Corban up 4-2 heading into the sixth. The Warriors then added on five more runs in the sixth, seemingly sealing up the ballgame, but EOU responded with five runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning, pulling to within two runs. Corban added one run in the seventh and then closed the door in the bottom half, holding on for the key road win, 10-7.

Junior shortstop Iris Rodriguez (Warden, Wash.) had a standout game at the plate, going 4-for-5 with five RBI, including three doubles. Additionally, junior catcher Danielle Ackerman (Dallas, Ore.) went 2-for-2 at the plate, scoring one run.

Earning the win in the circle was senior Jessica Holsinger (Eagle, Idaho), as she went five innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out eight EOU batters.

"The girls strung together some really good at-bats today, and fought through some injuries that have been plaguing us this week," said Corban head coach Nathan Ohta. "They showed a lot of toughness gritting out the four wins we picked up this week, and we are looking forward to the break in our schedule next week to get healthy, fine-tune a couple things from this weekend, and get ready for a big set of games coming up."

In the second game of the day, the Warriors struggled to get things going offensively while allowing the Mountaineers to score three runs in the third and fourth innings.

Down 6-0, Corban tried to start a rally, scoring two runs in the fifth frame, one in the sixth, and then one in the seventh via a home run from sophomore first baseman Raina Reece (Salem, Ore.). It was too little too late, however, as the Mountaineers held on for the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) victory.

At the plate, Rodriguez went 1-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored, while junior pitcher Allie Mendez (Stockton, Calif.) registered two hits with one RBI. Additionally, junior center fielder Taylor Eilders (Cameron Park, Calif.) tallied two hits, one RBI and one run scored in the defeat.

"Individually, Iris had a great week and definitely deserves a little recognition for her hits during this six-game stretch," said Ohta."

In addition to the four wins during the week the Warriors earned, Corban picked up two more wins due to Walla Walla forfeiting its games vs. the Warriors on April 1st.

Corban (23-12) returns to action next weekend as a part of the rescheduled set of games and will take on Northwest Christian University next Saturday. First pitch against the Beacons in Eugene is set for 11 a.m.
 

Follow Corban Athletics on Twitter @CorbanAthletics

Follow Corban Athletics on Instagram: corban_athletics

Follow Corban Athletics on Snapchat: corbanathletics

Watch Corban Warrior videos on Youtube: CorbanUAthletics

Sign up for our Corban Warriors email Newsletter

#WarriorNation