SALEM, Ore. – While Simpson University was able to come from behind to take the final Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) matchup in game one of today's doubleheader 5-3, the Corban University Softball team hit the double-digit run total for just the second time this season during the fourth non-conference matchup with a 10-5 final to force a weekend split with the Red Hawks.
"The weekend ended on a high note," Warriors' head coach Jeff Covalt explained. "Miranda and Kate both pitched well and Vanesa came in on relief to also pitch well. In game four, it was great to see the bats come alive. Shelby worked hard, hit well, and caught outstandingly for us this weekend. It's a good split for us and hopefully the hits keep coming next weekend in Idaho."
Game 1 | Simpson 5, Corban 3
For a second-straight contest, the Warriors (5-25, 4-14) put the Red Hawks (12-25, 6-9) on the ropes early with a three-run bottom of the first, where freshman Kaiya Peterson roped a single into left field with the bases loaded to score a pair of runners, followed by another true freshman in centerfielder Brookelynne Morley who singled to right and thus scored the third runner of the frame.
However, Simpson would stage yet another comeback bid in the top of the fourth inning, scoring four runs to jump in front of the Dubs on the scoreboard for good. The game-winning run crossed home plate unearned due to a fielding error that elongated the inning, but the Red Hawks added an insurance run in the fifth while starting pitcher Grace Chojnacki prevented any further damage after a rough first inning. She concluded her second win of the weekend in the circle by allowing three earned runs off seven hits and two walks while striking out five batters in a complete game effort.
After picking up a win in the series opener yesterday, Warriors' sophomore starting pitcher Miranda Scovil was charged with the loss after allowing three earned runs in 3.2 innings pitched off four hits and just a single walk while striking out three Red Hawks. Senior relief pitchers Amy Jankowski and Vanesa Quinones combined for the final 3.1 frames, with Quinones pitching an unscathed 2.0 innings with just one walk, one base hit, and two punchouts.
Freshman rightfielder Iren VanDyke continued her all-around exceptional weekend at the plate with another multi-hit outing, tallying two hits to match senior shortstop Isabel Carattini's output of two base knocks as well. Peterson led in RBI with two, while VanDyke, Carattini, and sophomore first baseman Mckenna Hanson all scored a single run.
A pair of Simpson batters each held multi-hit performances as well, represented by second baseman Adriana Delaney and designated player Ariel Schulzkump who each finished with two hits, an RBI, and a run scored.
Game 2 | Corban 10, Simpson 5
In game two, the Navy and Gold rallied to pick up their second weekend split of the year behind a massive offensive showcase where five Warriors registered at least two base hits each along with numerous RBI and runs scored. The series finale featured four lead changes, the last of which came in the bottom of the third inning when the Dubs rattled off eight runs to flip the lineup card over and nearly force an early run-rule of the Red Hawks. RBI singles from Peterson, VanDyke, and sophomore catcher Destinee Estrada were capped off by RBI doubles off the bat of sophomore leftfielder Shelby Hillyer and senior designated player Peyton Foreman.
Simpson was able to cut the lead to five runs in the sixth, but senior starting pitcher Kate Banks slammed the door on a potential comeback bid by striking eight Red Hawks in her complete game outing. Only one of Simpson's five runs counted against Banks' ERA due to fielding errors, resulting in a solid appearance in the circle for Banks to pick up her second win of the year.
In the opposite bullpen, starting pitcher Lily Rojas was chased after 2.1 innings where she allowed six runs off eight hits and a pair of walks before giving way to relief pitchers Jessica Ulshoeffer and Katelyne Robinett. Ulshoeffer allowed another four runs off six hits in 2.2 frames, while Robinett tossed a scoreless bottom of the sixth where just one batter reached via hit.
Hanson, VanDyke, Hillyer, Foreman, and Banks who batted for herself in the seven-hole of Covalt's lineup all secured two base hits apiece at the plate, while Hanson, VanDyke, and Hillyer all scored two runs each. Hillyer also joined Foreman and Peterson in the two-RBI club. The offense tallied 15 total base hits and nine RBI while collectively striking out just twice as Covalt sent 17 student-athletes to the plate in game two.
Leftfielder Jessica Heck was the lone Red Hawk with multiple base hits in the finale, as she finished 2-for-3 with a run scored. Third baseman Mariah Rosales, first baseman Madison Guzman, and second baseman Madison Chapman all picked up hits at the plate against Banks as well.
Next weekend, the Navy and Gold will partake in their final road series of the 2026 regular season, as they'll hop the eastern Oregon border to battle RV College of Idaho (19-15, 5-9) starting on Friday, April 10th at 2pm MT/1pm PT.
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