Sasquatch Open NWAC Tournament With 8-2 Win Over Chemeketa

The Spokane softball team opened postseason play in dominant fashion Thursday morning, defeating Chemeketa 8-2 in the opening round of the NWAC Softball Championships at Delta Park.

The Sasquatch struck early and never looked back, scoring seven runs over the first two innings while combining strong pitching with timely hitting to move forward in the championship bracket.

Spokane wasted no time jumping on the board in the bottom of the first. Lilley Triplett sparked the offense and later scored on an RBI groundout from Shelby Swanson before Skyler Struck and Cadence Hyndman added RBI singles to give the Sasquatch a quick 3-0 advantage.

After Chemeketa answered with a run in the second inning, Spokane responded with another four-run frame. Emma Oergel delivered a two-run single to center field that scored Phoebe Holm and Allison Lapano, while additional runs crossed on a Chemeketa error and an RBI from Struck to extend the lead to 7-1.

Spokane continued to apply pressure throughout the game, drawing five walks and swiping a pair of bases. Triplett reached base three times and scored twice, while Oergel finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Struck added two RBIs of her own and Hyndman chipped in another RBI as part of a balanced offensive effort.

Rachel Nebeker provided a spark late in the game with a sixth-inning double and later scored Spokane's final run on a steal sequence from Triplett.

Inside the circle, Samantha Rensvold earned the win after allowing just two runs on five hits across 5.1 innings. Cassy Seifert closed out the final 1.2 innings, striking out two and allowing just one hit to secure the postseason victory.

Spokane finished with seven hits and committed no errors defensively while holding Chemeketa without a walk in the game.

With the win, the East Region champions advance further into the NWAC Championship bracket as postseason play continues in Portland.