KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Corban University Softball team's (1-10, 0-3) offense just couldn't keep up with the Oregon Tech (10-3, 3-0) this afternoon in Stilwell Stadium, scoring just three runs in total today in two five-inning wins for the Owls, 14-3 and 8-0 to complete the three-game series in Klamath Falls.
"This weekend's games showed us a lot, and we are going to use this as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and become better in every aspect of the game," Warriors' Head Coach Danyelle Huber shared after the finale of their southern Oregon trip.
Game 1 – #7 Oregon Tech 14, Corban 3
The Warriors were able to strike first to open the second game of their three-game series with the No. 7-ranked Owls, opening the top of the first with a single run thanks to sophomore centerfielder Jody Fischer. After Fischer drew a walk to open the contest, she quickly stole second and advanced to third when junior designated player Morgan Gleeson singled on the next at bat. Freshman catcher Kailey Betz grounded out to second base on the next play, allowing Fischer to score and give Corban a 1-0 advantage.
However, much like the opening game yesterday for these two squads, Oregon Tech quickly flipped the scoreboard and lineup on the Warriors, scoring 12 runs over the first two innings of play to immediately put the visitors out of this game two scenario.
The Owls added two more in the bottom of the fourth inning to reach 14 runs on the day, falling two short of their game one totals yesterday against the Navy and Gold. Betz singled home Fischer again in the Warriors' last-ditch effort in the top of the fifth, then junior third baseman Sarah Parker singled to allow Betz to score before OIT closed out the 14-3 score in five innings.
Warriors' freshman starting pitcher Amy Jankowski was chased from the game after only 1.0 innings of work and was responsible for nine runs off five hits. She walked six batters and struck out just one Owl in her appearance. Junior relief pitcher Madison Russell closed out the final 3.0 innings of work to allow five runs from an additional six hits and walking five more hitters in the process.
Oregon Tech starting pitcher Kacie Schmidt settled in after allowing an opening inning run to amass seven strikeouts in 4.0 innings, with the only hits she allowed coming in the first inning. Relief pitcher Jenna Gorden finished in the circle for the Owls in 1.0 innings, allowing two more runs off three hits and striking out one batter.
OIT saw four different batters score at least two runs in game one today, led by first baseman Puakea Milbourne and her three hits, three RBI, and two runs scored. Middle infielders Malia Mick and Nita Cook each tacked on two hits, with Cook earning a game-high four RBI.
Game 2 – #7 Oregon Tech 8, Corban 0
Corban was held captive to a near no-hitter by the Owls in the final game of their three-game set, as Betz was the lone Warrior to earn a hit in game three against OIT starting pitcher Mckenzie Staub, which came in the top of the second with one out. The Navy and Gold threatened in that inning with runners at second and third but would advance no further in their scoreless efforts.
Oregon Tech pilled on seven runs in the bottom of the third and fourth innings, setting up a walk off scenario in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded, right fielder Maggie Buckholz drew a walk to send the eighth and final runner home, ending the contest and completing the three-game sweep of the Warriors.
Corban junior starting pitcher Sage Vanterpool threw 3.1 innings of five-run and five-hit ball, hitting two batters and walking another in the process. Russell pitched an inning of relief in game two, allowing three runs on three hits and walking a trio of batters. Jankowski entered with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth to allow the game-ending walk.
Staub pitched a complete 5.0 innings, allowing just the solo hit to Betz and walking a pair of hitters, all while striking out seven Corban batters along the way.
Mick followed up her game one performance with a game-high three RBI off two hits and scoring two runs as well. Cook completed the middle infield highlight reel with three runs scored and just one hit.
Corban Softball will finally get their first action of the 2023 season on their home field next weekend, as they'll play host to the Northwest University Eagles (9-4, 3-0) at Warrior Field in their home opener, with the first doubleheader taking place on March 3rd at 1pm and 3pm PST.
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