SPOKANE, Wash. — The George Fox softball team made up their rescheduled game against the Whitworth Pirates, winning both games by one point—the first game 7-6, and the second 4-3.
How It Happened - Game One
The Bruins started the second inning strong when
Corine Doran singled to left field, meanwhile,
Emily Benavidez singled to left center field as Doran advanced to second. Then,
Riley Pirkle flew out to left field, as Doran was able to score the first run. Eventually,
Makayla Noone singled up the middle, while
Grace Wilson and Benavidez scored—the Bruins were ahead 3-0.
The Pirates managed to tie the score when they started the bottom of second with a homer, and scored two runs, the score at 3-3. But Fox didn't let them get away with any more when Benavidez tripled to right field, and
Kiley Harris scored in the top of third. The score was then bumped to 5-3 after Pirkle doubled to right field, and Benavidez scored.
The fourth inning was quieter, but
Tinley Taylor singled up to the middle. Unfortunately for Fox, Whitworth found the strength to score three more runs at four hits, claiming the lead with the score at 6-5. But in the top of the seventh, Doran singled up the middle, and
Kayla Mashino scored, tying 6-6.
In the eighth inning,
Kylee Manibusan singled to shortstop, and then finally, Doran reached first and then advanced to third, while Taylor slid to the home plate in the top of ninth, winning the first game 7-6.
How It Happened - Game Two
The Pirates took the first run in the first inning, but in the top of second, Fox made three consecutive runs—
Mia Cantu singled to center field;
Bethany Wilkes advanced to second, and
Grace Wilson scored. Then,
Makayla Noone singled up the middle, Cantu and Wilkes scored runs back-to-back, advancing the score 3-1.
The Pirates eventually tied the score 3-3 in the bottom of second, but in the top of the sixth inning, Doran started the period singling to shortstop. Then, Benavidez singled to right field, and advanced to second on the throw.
Eventually, the Bruins took the lead again when Noone singled up the middle, and Cantu was able to score, unearned.
Bethany Wilkes scored a solid run as well—4-3, and the game ended with the same score on the bottom of seventh, making Fox the victor.
Top Performances
Emily Benavidez scored three runs for both games, with three hits and one RBI total.
Grace Wilson scored two runs, while
Corine Doran scored one run and four hits for the day.
Bethany Wilkes scored one run, two hits and one RBI, while
Mia Cantu gathered one hit, one run and one RBI. On the mound,
Nicole Ledendecker won the pitching, 5-2 in the first game and 6-2 in the second.
What It Means
The Pirates fall to 5-20 (3-11 NWC), while the Bruins rise to 12-14 (6-8 NWC).
Coach's Thoughts
"It was big for us to come out and start this road trip off we a couple of wins," said Bruin head Coach
Nathan Ohta. "We came through with some good swings late in both games, and it all worked out."
What Happens Next
The Lady Bruins will continue playing the Whitworth Pirates for day two in Spokane tomorrow on Thursday, April 9. The first game is scheduled for 12:00 pm, while the second will begin at 2:30 pm.
