Jody Zillner struck out 12 in Game 1 win over Great Falls
CALDWELL, Idaho - Jody Zillner struck out 12 batters and had four RBI in the opener, but The College of Idaho softball team managed just a split against the University of Great Falls this afternoon at Symms Field, winning Game 1, 10-2, but falling, 3-1, in the nightcap.
The early game win for the Lady Yotes (5-9) ended a four-game home losing streak to start the season, while it marked the first victory in 2010 due to the mercy-rule. However, the Argonauts (12-6) took advantage of a pair of unearned runs in Game 2 to score their first-ever victory over The C of I.
After UGF plated an unearned run in the first of Game 1, the Yotes took control in the bottom of the frame, getting an RBI single from Kristen Haugen and a two-run Kalie Kurdy double. Zillner pushed the lead to 5-1 an inning later with a two-run single, then launched a two-run homer in the fourth to make it 8-1. They would end the game in the sixth, taking advantage of a pair of hit by pitches, two singles, and a walk.
Zillner allowed just four hits and a pair of unearned runs in the win, while going 3-for-3 at the plate. Haugen and Brittany Wenzel each had two hits in the victory.
Game 2 was a different story, as Sarah DeVore kept the Lady Yotes off balance - allowing just four hits and fanning six in the win.
UGF took advantage of three C of I errors in the third inning, plating three runs - the big blow, a Brittanie Thibodeaux two-run single. The Lady Yotes would get a run back in the fourth on a Haugen RBI single - but would not get a runner past second base the rest of the way.
Kyla Bryant was the tough-luck loser for the Coyotes, allowing just three hits and fanning six. Stacy Gray went 2-for-2 in the win for the Argos.
The Lady Yotes return to action on Tuesday afternoon, traveling to La Grande, Ore., for a doubleheader against Eastern Oregon.