Portland State Softball Splits Opening Day at Oregon Classic
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State softball team kicked off the Oregon Classic on a mixed note, securing a comeback victory against Loyola Chicago 11-7 before falling to No. 14 ranked Oregon 9-1 in their second game of the day.
With this performance, Portland State improved to a 4-13 record overall, while Loyola Chicago dropped to 2-13. Oregon, on the other hand, continued their dominance advancing to 17-1 for the season.
The Vikings rallied against Loyola after initially taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Ramblers responded with a strong performance, capturing a 5-2 advantage through the fourth inning. Portland State needed a game-changing moment, and it came in the sixth inning, where Neveah Smith drove in Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung. Following a crucial two-out error, the Vikings tied the game at 5-5. Loyola briefly regained the lead, but Portland State responded decisively with a six-run seventh inning, benefiting from three errors and four hits, eventually taking an 11-6 lead. Grace Kimball’s two-inning relief secured the victory for the Vikings.
In their subsequent matchup against the Ducks, Portland State was challenged right from the start, falling behind 4-0 early on. Although Smith provided a spark with an RBI triple in the third, the Vikings struggled offensively, managing only two hits throughout the game. Oregon’s consistent scoring culminated in a run-rule victory.
Portland State’s schedule continues on Saturday with a doubleheader, first facing San Diego at 10 a.m. followed by a rematch against Loyola at 12:30 p.m. The team aims to build on their positive moments from Friday as they seek another win at Jane Sanders Stadium.
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