The Portland State softball team went 2-1 against California State University, Sacramento, over the weekend, including a win in the final game on Senior Day.
Vikings take series against Sacramento State
The Portland State softball team went 2-1 against California State University, Sacramento, over the weekend, including a win in the final game on Senior Day.
Game one was all about defense. Senior Anna Bertrand threw her 70th win as a Viking, turning in her second career double-digit strikeout performance in the process as she retired 11 batters. With Bertrand in charge of the circle, the Viking fielders also did their part, including a clutch out by freshman catcher Lauran Bliss, who caught a Sacramento State runner stealing.
The team’s only run came in the bottom of the fourth. Becca Bliss hit a single and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lauran Bliss. Sophomore Brittany Hendrickson came up next and slapped a double to right field that sent Becca across the plate. Bertrand took care of the rest, holding the Hornets scoreless over the next three innings to close out the game.
The second matchup of the day’s doubleheader was an entirely different story. Sacramento State got on the board in the first inning when sophomore pitcher Raya Johnson gave up a bases-loaded walk, then scored one more in the fifth to take a 2-0 lead. But it was the top of the sixth that did the Vikings in, as the Hornets went on a six-run burst that sent Johnson out of the game. Freshman Karyn Wright stepped in to replace her, but it was too late, and Sacramento State wrapped up the 8-0 win.
The Vikings managed to regroup in time for Senior Day the following afternoon. After honoring the squad’s four seniors—Bertrand, designated player Alexa Morales, left fielder Sadie Lopez and second baseman Carly McEachran, the team came through with a gutty performance in the final game to earn an extra-inning victory.
PSU struck early with a home run by Becca Bliss in the bottom of the first. Bertrand was in control until the top of the third, when the Hornets exploded for five runs. This time, however, the Vikings were able to maintain their composure, getting a run in the fourth and then tying the game on a three-run double by Lauran Bliss.
“We had those timely hits today,” Becca Bliss said. “Yesterday we had one in the first game and we just couldn’t bring them together in the second, but today it was all about knowing that every single person on your team can be that person who comes up with a big hit at any time.”
Bertrand settled in and took command after the rough third inning, retiring the next 15 batters. Finally, in the bottom of the ninth, Becca Bliss stepped up and slammed her second home run of the game, a walk-off solo shot to center field that sealed the 6-5 victory for Portland State.
“This game was the epitome of what our season’s been like,” head coach Tobin Echo-Hawk said. “I can’t say enough about [the team’s] perseverance…staying in the game and in the moment and not looking beyond that.”
Becca Bliss echoed the sentiment. “It was one of those games where you just want to do it for your seniors,” she said. “It felt good, but we couldn’t have done it without a full team effort. Anna pitched a great game, and Lauran came up with a clutch hit. It was a good win.”
PSU is now 11-4 in the Big Sky and 19-27 overall. They currently sit in second place in the Big Sky standings, below Idaho State University. With just one weekend remaining in the season, the Vikings will need a sweep in their final series against the University of North Dakota along with a couple of losses by Idaho State in order to win the conference. PSU’s first game against North Dakota on Friday is scheduled for noon. Live stats will be available on goviks.com.
