Thursday, April 28, 2016

LACEY, Wash. – Western Oregon starting pitcher Ally Boytz allowed one run in a complete game and catcher Mercedes Green hit a solo home run to lead the No. 2 Wolves 3-1 over No. 3 Concordia in the opening round of the GNAC Softball Championships on the Saint Martin’s Softball Field.

Boytz worked quickly through the Cavaliers lineup, allowing just four hits and three walks in 105 pitches. The senior advanced her record to 12-7 on the season, throwing her 18th complete game of the season.

Green hit her sixth home run of the season in the fourth inning, which extended the Western Oregon lead to 2-0.

The Wolves opened the scoring in the bottom of the first when first baseman Ashlee Lynch scored on a Concordia error with two outs. Shortstop Lexi Jennings hit a ground ball to the left side, but Lynch caused a distraction, forcing the error.

Western Oregon added to their lead in the fourth inning with the solo home run by Green, followed by two hits, a walk and an error to drive in the third run. Second baseman Kelsie Gardner beat out the throw for an infield single to drive in the run and extend the Wolves’ lead to 3-0.

Concordia continued to battle back, scoring their first run in the fifth inning on a RBI single by outfielder Kelsie Merritt. Western Oregon later opted to intentionally walk GNAC Player of the Year Meghan Luebbert to load the bases with two outs, but Boytz closed out the inning with a ground ball to second base.

In the seventh inning, the Cavaliers put runners on first and second with two outs after another Luebbert intentional walk, but Boytz once again stood, striking out her fourth batter of the game to close the ball game out.

Concordia starting pitcher Mattie Boucher pitched four innings, allowing three runs with just one earned. Jessica Lambourn was effective in relief, allowing one hit over the final two innings.

Western Oregon will play in the opening game on Friday at 10 a.m. against the winner of the Central Washington and Saint Martin’s game. Concordia will play on Friday at 12:30 p.m.