UCC Riverhawks Softball 3-5 Chemeketa

Chemeketa's explosive sixth inning proved too much for the Riverhawks to overcome, as the visiting Storm plated three runs to secure a 5-3 softball victory at home on Friday.

The Riverhawks struck early and often through the first three innings, building a 3-0 lead behind strong performances from Bella Garza and Gracie Mello. Garza led the offensive charge, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Mello contributed a 2-for-3 effort and scored once. Lexie Gidcumb proved clutch as well, crossing the plate twice to help stake UCC to their early advantage.

London O'Brien kept Chemeketa quiet through five innings of work, allowing just three hits while striking out one. The senior gave the Riverhawks a chance to protect their lead, but the Storm finally broke through in the fourth inning with two runs.

Chemeketa's Laney Deloe dominated in the circle, tossing 6.2 innings while allowing seven hits but zero earned runs with four strikeouts. The Storm's patient approach paid dividends, as they drew walks and capitalized on their sixth-inning rally when Meagan Trissell delivered the decisive blow with three RBIs on the day.

The loss drops UCC to 5-13 overall as they continue conference play. The Riverhawks showed fight early but couldn't maintain their momentum against a resilient Chemeketa squad that refused to fold.