In non-conference action Tuesday, Southern Oregon University’s Softball team split with formidable opponent William Jessup University. The team is currently receiving top 25 poll votes.
The biggest highlight of the day came in the stat book with standout leftfielder Katie Moy, in her junior year, matching the school’s career record for doubles with her 33rd double finding a way down the leftfield line in the 5th inning to start a rally.
In the opener, William Jessup took a 2-to-0 lead in third inning.
Southern Oregon answered with a run in the fourth and then took the lead in the fifth inning.
Lauren Keel followed with a single and Rayna Okimoto came through with a double to give the Raiders a 3-to-2 lead.
The Warriors tied the game in the top of the seventh before the Raiders rallied in the seventh for the second game in a row.
Keel started the rally with a single and after moving to second on a walk to Julia Willison, senior Mischa Meyer came off the bench to pinch run for Keel and scored on a Sarah Wharton single to win the game.
Karri Johnson pitched a solid six-and-two-third innings and allowed just four hits. Freshman Karlie Stephens picked up the win in relief.
Keel, Wharton and Jessica Flores all had two hits for the Raiders. Moy’s 33 doubles matches Brandi Brown’s career record.
In the nightcap, the Warriors came out on fire and scored four runs in the first, second and fifth innings to take control.
Despite the setback, the Raiders pounded out 10 hits. Moy, Okimoto, Flores and Melissa Corn all had two hits.
The non conference “tune-up” helped the team heal some wounds, test some players and get some time on the diamond for players needing extra work, before a huge conclusion to the schedule and a 4 team race to earn 2 remaining playoff spots.
SOU plays Northwest Christian and Corban Universities to end the season Friday and Saturday on the road to end the regular season portion of their schedule.
