HELENA, Mont. – A pair of three-run losses for the Corban University Softball team concluded their opening weekend of conference play in Montana, as the University of Providence Argos completed the four-game sweep of the Warriors on a neutral site field due to weather conditions in Great Falls.

GAME 1 – Providence 8, Corban 5

A quick five runs in the bottom of the first inning by Providence (5-3, 3-0) quickly chased the Corban starter from the game, as the Argos tallied three runs and utilized a Warrior (1-13, 0-3) fielding error to their advantage as they looked to secure the conference game sweep.

However, the Navy and Gold offense sprung to life in the top of the third inning, as the first three batters reached base to load the bases, scoring their first run on a fielding error to break their scoreless streak and allow the lineup to settle back in. A two-RBI double by senior third baseman Sarah Parker allowed the Warriors to pull within a 5-3 margin with a little over half of regulation innings still to be played.

The very next inning, sophomore leftfielder Josie Landis launched the first Corban home run of the 2024 season, as she blasted a solo bomb over the left field fence to cut the lead in half and just needing a single run to make this a brand new ball game.

However, the Argos added a run back to the scoreboard in both the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, resulting in a 7-4 advantage and needing six more outs from their pitching unit to clinch the game three victory. In the top of the sixth, a bases-loaded passed ball by Providence allowed sophomore designated player Gianna Redman to plate Corban's fifth run of the game.

A single run in the bottom of the sixth left the Warriors with a three-run deficit entering their final inning of offense looking to edge the Argos in comeback fashion, which was cut short after Providence relief pitcher Macy Mangold dealt out three-straight strikeouts to clinch the third and final conference game against Corban. Mangold picked up the save for the home team after allowing just the solo homer to Landis while striking out nine batters, as she relieved starter Deven Creech who earned the win by pitching 4.0 innings and allowing four runs off five hits, three walks and a pair of punchouts.

Warriors' senior starting pitcher Madison Russell couldn't escape the first inning after being chased with three hits, two walks, and a strikeout that led to five earned runs. Sophomore relief pitcher Vanesa Quinones tossed the final 5.2 innings and saw three runs on eight hits, alongside five walks and four strikeouts.

The top of the Warriors' lineup came alive in the game three of their four-game series, as Landis and senior rightfielder Samantha Martinez each held multi-hit performances, with Landis scoring a pair of runs while Parker held the team-high RBI mark of two. Redshirt junior shortstop Cami Kerze drew three walks to lead all hitters in base-on-balls.

Meanwhile, three of the Argos top four batters in the lineup tallied two hits apiece, with Creech earning two RBI and Moore scoring a pair of runs. Second baseman Brynn Cullen outhit every player today with three base knocks, while earning the game-high RBI count with a trio.

GAME 2 – Providence 5, Corban 2

Providence utilized a first-inning sacrifice fly followed by a second-inning grand slam to push the non-conference game with Corban to a 5-0 lead, which they held for all but the final inning when the Warriors began to mount a comeback bid. With one out in the top of the seventh, the next four batters would reach base to secure not only the first two runs of the ballgame for the Navy and Gold, but also the first hit as redshirt sophomore pinch hitter Madelyn Robinson slashed a single to right field that would eventually lead to an RBI infield single by junior pinch hitter Alicia Chavez.

With runners on second and third and the tying run represented at the plate, Argos' starter Moore sat down her 13th and 14th strikeouts of the game to earn the clean sweep of the Warriors on conference-opening weekend. Moore walked four batters and allowed two runs off two hits in a complete game effort to earn her second win over Corban in as many days.

Warriors' senior starting pitcher Alise Olson was charged with the loss in game two of today's doubleheader after allowing five runs on four hits through 2.0 innings. Sophomore relief pitcher Amy Jankowski tossed 4.0 innings of shutout ball for the Navy and Gold, walking two batters, and allowing three hits with a team-best six strikeouts.

Moore was both the offensive and defensive player of the weekend for the Argos, as she went 3-for-4 in game four of the series with two runs scored from the leadoff position. Shortstop Sydnee Weber launched the Argos' grand slam in the second inning to break the game open and eventually score the four RBI that would win this week's final contest.

Barring any Pacific Northwest weather impacts over the next week, Corban is scheduled to host No. 24-ranked Eastern Oregon University (7-2) on Friday and Saturday for their home openers, with first pitches set for 1/3pm on Warrior Field for Friday afternoon.

Follow Corban Athletics:
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l Snapchat l YouTube l Email

Download our App: iOS (iPhone/iPad) l Android