(Kelso, WA) – The Lower Columbia College softball team was three outs away from a major upset. The final three outs were hard to come by.
The Southwestern Oregon Lakers completed a two-game sweep over the Red Devils on the final day of the regular season. After winning the first game 11-2, the Lakers rallied with four runs in the 7
th inning to beat the Devils 5-3 in the nightcap.
Game #1 – Southwestern Oregon 11 Lower Columbia 2
Deztiny Vaughn of the Lakers was on her game as she tossed a three hitter at LCC.
Teeghan Reams of LCC spoiled the shutout with a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning. It was Reams 19
th homer on the season.
While Vaughn was dominating in the circle, the Laker offense was adding to its lead slowly, but surely. The Lakers scored single runs in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings. LCC starter
Darby DeRuyter actually pitched well against the potent Laker bats. DeRuyter making her last appearance at Heerensperger Field gave up five runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Sadie Knutson gave up two runs in 2 1/3 of the middle innings. Reams came in to pitch the final 1 1/3 innings giving up three earned runs.
Bella Aspaas and
Emily Panush had the other two hits for LCC.
Game #2 – Southwestern Oregon 5 Lower Columbia 3
Devil starter
Alli Heater pitched very well for LCC. She held the Lakers to just one run over the first six innings. With a 3-1 lead going into the 7
th, the Devils saw SWOC come up with a two-run single and a two-run homer to take away the victory.
Reams got the Devils off to a great start when she slammed her 20
th long ball of the season in the bottom of the first inning.
Sawyer Stenson added some insurance with a fifth inning RBI single. Stenson had two hits to lead the way.
Although it was a disappointing loss on Sophomore Night, the Devils showed that they will be a tough opponent at the NWAC tournament. LCC is currently at the 12 seed for the tourney. There is a possibility that they could advance a spot depending on games played Monday May 15
th. At press time, LCC was looking a Mt. Hood being the first round opponent on Thursday May 18
th at Delta Park in Portland. If the matchup holds, the game would be played at 12:30 pm.
