End of the road for PSU softball

Softball season has come to an end for the Portland Statewomen’s softball team.

Portland State finished the season with a pair of games againstNo. 10 Oregon at Howe Field Wednesday afternoon. Ending on adisappointing note, the Viks came up short, falling 1-0 in thefirst game and 3-0 in the second.

Dani Baird hit a solo home run for the Ducks in the third inningof game 1, which ended up being all they would need as starter AmyHarris (5-2) and reliever Ani Nyhus combined for the shutout.Sophomore right-hander Michelle Hext (12-17) took the loss for theVikings, even though she pitched a four-hitter.

In Game 2 the Viks didn’t score a single run, but took the 3-0loss to Oregon in the final game.

After Portland State junior catcher Rose Rutledge overthrewsecond base trying to pick off Oregon freshman Suzie Barnes, seniorJulie Jaime scored on a run from second base in the thirdinning.

Jenn Poore added an RBI double in the sixth inning, scoringAshley Richards to widen the Ducks’ lead to 2-0. Erin Goodellcontinued to extend the lead, driving in Poore with an RBI singlethrough the right side.

Pitcher Anissa Meashintubby (11-2) took the win for UO, tossinga three-hit shutout with seven strikeouts. Junior right-handerVanessa Holm (3-11) allowed only two earned runs on five hits insix complete for the Viks.

The Ducks improved to 37-14 overall, 9-6 in the Pac-10. TheVikings ended their season at 19-36 overall and 10-10 in thePacific Coast Softball Conference.