Yote Notes – Apr. 9, 2007

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@collegeofidaho.edu

ATHLETIC NEWS:

WOMEN’S TENNIS BLASTS SPOKANE CC: The ACI women's tennis team recorded a convincing 9-0 victory Saturday afternoon against Spokane Community College in Payette. The Lady Yotes (6-7) won both doubles matches and swept the five singles matches - as SCC forfeited the matches at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles.

Winning for ACI in singles were Kyla Westerberg (Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS), Kim Clements (Boise, Idaho / Bishop Kelly HS), Amanda McEldowney (Caldwell, Idaho / Linfield Coll.), Karin Hayashida (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS), and Jenna McClean (Ontario, Ore. / Ontario HS), with Mariah Armstrong (Sandpoint, Idaho / Sandpoint HS) and Kate Leadbetter (Grand Junction, Colo. / West River Acad.) winning at No. 1 doubles and Tara Wensel (Nampa, Idaho / Vallivue HS)and Melissa Rowe (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) winning at No. 2 doubles. ACI will next host Treasure Valley CC at the River City Racquet Club, on April 17.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SIGNS RECRUITS: ACI women’s basketball coach Reagan Rossi has announced the signing of a pair of incoming freshmen to NAIA Letters of Intent, as Nicole Bruce and Tyra Rickman will play for the Lady Yotes during the 2007-08 season. Bruce, a six-foot forward from Bishop Kelly High, was an All-Southern Idaho Conference selection, leading her team to the 4A state tournament. She also participated in the Idaho High School All-Star game in Couer d’Alene. Rickman, 5-11 forward from Burns, Ore., was named to the All-Eastern Oregon League team and was a member of the 3A All-State squad as a third-team selection, helping her team to the 2006 state championship and a third-place finish this past season. “I am really excited to have both Nicole and Tyra coming to ACI next year,” said Rossi. “They will thrive in our style of play and have a chance to make an immediate impact.” The Lady Yotes are coming off a 19-10 season and lose just one starter from the club.

GOLF SET FOR FIRST TOURNAMENT OF SPRING: The ACI men’s golf team will compete next Monday and Tuesday at the Lewis-Clark State Invitational, to be held at Lewiston Country Club. It will be the first of two tournaments the Yotes will play in prior to the NAIA Region I Championships in Christina Lake, B.C. The expected ladder for the Yotes will be John Pasley (Boise, Idaho / Boise HS), Ben Coate (Boise, Idaho / Capital HS), Cris Tietsort (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS), Kurt Nielson (Rexburg, Idaho / Madison HS), and Alex Hayden (Boise, Idaho / Capital HS).

TRACK: Coyotes qualify two more for NAIA Championships

LAST WEEK: at Willamette Distance Carnival and Northwest Nazarene Invitational

COMING UP: Idle until April 20-21 at University of Oregon Invitational

HOPPER, CHLEBECK QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS: Juniors Tyler Hopper (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) and Jesse Chlebeck (Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) punched their tickets to the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with solid races Friday at the Willamette Distance Carnival in Salem, Ore. Hopper placed seventh in a deep field in the 1,500-meters, notching a season-best 3:55.78 - well below the NAIA "B" standard, and a half second off the NAIA "A" mark.  Chlebeck took 22nd in the 5,000-meters, meeting the "B" standard in race for the second-straight year - with his 15:05.67 a full seven seconds better that the provisional.

OTHER RACES IN OREGON: Three other Coyote men raced on Friday night - with Jacob Haas (Portland, Ore. / Eastern Oregon U.) placing eighth in the 10,000 (32:50.51), Sam Hardy (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) placing 18th in the 1,500 (4:03.06), and Geoff Williams (Boise, Idaho / Boise HS) placing 48th in the 5,000 (15:59.92).

On the women's side, Shannon Edwards (Sherwood, Ore. / Eastern Oregon U.) raced well in the 10,000 - placing second in 39:42.19.  However, the pace of the race was slow, as the senior missed the NAIA "B" standard by 17 seconds. Katie Ball (Boise, Idaho / Boise HS) ran her 1,500 in 4:53.25, less than two seconds off the school record and less than five seconds off the NAIA "B" mark.  Also competing was Lauren Plymire (Portland, Ore. / Eastern Oregon U.), who set a personal-best in the 5,000 (19:21.22).

YOTES COMPETE WELL IN NAMPA: The remaining members of the ACI track team recorded a pair of victories and had three second place finishes as the Coyotes competed Saturday at the Northwest Nazarene Invitational in Nampa. Both victories came on the women's side, as Emily McCutchan (Eagle, Idaho / Cole Valley Christian HS) had a personal-best leap in winning the triple jump (33' 8.75"), while Jayne Saunders (Emmett, Idaho / Emmett HS) took home the crown in the 400-hurdles (1:07.61).  The women's squad also placed second and third in the 1,500 - as Molli Lee-Painter (Moscow, Idaho / Moscow HS) (5:13.91) took the No. 2 spot and Stephanie Sparks (West Jordan, Utah / Juan Diego HS) (5:19.42) took third.  Courtney Mitchell (Boise, Idaho / Timberline HS) had a season-best time in placing fourth in the 100 (13.27). The men's team had two runners place second - Chris Rifer (Portland, Ore. / Sunset HS) in the 800 (2:00.53) and Nick Schossow (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) in the 10,000 (37:09.78).

TOP CONFERENCE MARKS: The latest Cascade Conference top-time list was released on Sunday, with three ACI men and five ACI women recording Top-5 marks. On the men’s side, Tyler Hopper has the top time in the 1,500 (3:55.78) and the No. 4 time in the 800 (1:55.79). Also among the leaders are Jacob Haas, who is second in the 10,000 (32:50.51), and Jesse Chlebeck, who is No. 3 in the 5,000 (15:05.67). Shannon Edwards leads the way on the ladies side, recording three top-times – No. 3 in the 10,000 (39:42.19), No. 3 in the 1,500 (4:59.49), and No. 5 in the 5,000 (18:41.32). Katie Ball has the fastest time in the league in the 1,500 (4:53.25), with Stephanie Sparks recording the second-fastest time in the 800 (2:21.76). Rounding out the list are Jayne Saunders, who is third in the 400-hurdles (1:05.95), and Emily McCutchan, who is third in the triple jump (33’ 8.75”).

NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: NAIA “A” qualifiers – none. NAIA “B” qualifiers – Jayne Saunders (400-hurdles), Tyler Hopper (1,500), Jesse Chlebeck (5,000).

WEEK OFF: The Coyotes will take the week off from competition, as Spring Break is occurring on the ACI campus. A small group of runners will compete the following weekend at the University of Oregon Invitational.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the ACI track team, head to the official homepage of the Coyotes, www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/track.htm.

BASEBALL (21-10): No. 25 Yotes complete sweep of Corban College, take six-game win streak to Oregon Tech

LAST WEEK: at Corban (W 11-4, W 9-0, W 6-0)

COMING UP: at Oregon Tech (DH), Saturday, Noon (PDT); at Oregon Tech (DH), Sunday, 11 a.m. (PDT)

INTERNET BROADCASTS: There will be no internet broadcast during this weekend’s series between ACI and Oregon Tech. Archives of previous ACI broadcasts can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball/2007RADIO.htm.

YOTES AT NO. 25 IN LAST WEEK’S POLL: ACI dropped two spots in the fourth NAIA Top-25 Coaches’ Poll, released by the national office last Wednesday, falling to No. 25. It is, however, the fourth-straight week the Yotes have been in the Top-25. Lewis-Clark State received 21 of the 23 first-place votes and sits in the No. 1 spot, followed by Azusa Pacific (Calif.), Oklahoma City, Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.), and Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.). This week’s regional top-six has L-C and ACI at the top, followed by British Columbia, Concordia, Corban, and Oregon Tech. The regional ranking will be released each Monday, with the national poll released on each Wednesday.

BETTER GET USED TO THE BUS: The Coyotes will become road warriors over during the final month of the regular-season, as ACI will play 14 of their final 18 games away from Simplot Stadium. The Yotes will play their next seven games on opponents’ fields, and after a brief four-game home series in late April, will finish the season with a four-game set on the road.

ALUMNI IN PRO BALL: A pair of former Coyote players are currently playing their first week of the 2007 season in the professional ranks. Jason Simontacchi, who pitched at ACI in 1996, is on the disabled list with the Washington Nationals – battling a strained groin. Simontacchi is expended to join the Nats in late April and serve as their No. 4 starter. Another former Yote, Branden Florence, is beginning his first full-season at AA, playing for the Reading Phillies in the Philadelphia organization. Florence went 4-for-6 with a double, triple, and four RBI in the opening week.

COYOTES HEAD TO OREGON TECH: Instead of playing at home as the original NAIA Region I schedule was written, the Coyote baseball team instead heads to Klamath Falls, Ore., this weekend for a four-game set with Oregon Tech. The two teams met in early March in Caldwell, as the games were shifted to the Treasure Valley due to unplayable conditions in the Klamath Basin – with ACI sweeping the series. In fact, the Owls (5-20, 3-15 Region I) played their first 22 games of the season on the road – but will play all of their remaining games on their home field. OIT is led offensively by Chris Curtis (.247 3 HR 12 RBI) and Phil Ouelette (.205 3 HR 16 RBI), with Kyle Koontz (1-6 5.35 ERA) their top hurler. Tech has struggled defensively all season, committing 64 errors in their 25 games. The two teams have met 60 times previously, with the Yotes holding a 50-10 all-time series edge, dating back to 1961.

CLARIFICATION ON REGIONAL STANDINGS: This season, coaches and administrators had questions regarding the NAIA Region I standings and qualification to the NAIA Region I Tournament. Dr. Joel Schuldheisz, Region I chair, clarified the situation – as each team in the Region I will play a three-game home-and-home series with each other, with all games counting in the regional standings. The top-four teams in the final standings will advance to the Region I Tournament, however, Lewis-Clark State has forfeited the right to host the regional tournament if they win the Region I regular-season (the second-place team in the standings will host if L-C wins the Region).

REGIONAL STANDINGS A MESS: The Coyotes sit alone in third-place in the NAIA Region I standings with four weeks left in the regular-season. ACI is two games ahead of British Columbia in the win column, but three games behind UBC in the loss column for the right to host the Regional Tournament. with Concordia sitting just a game and a half game back of the Yotes. ACI and Oregon Tech have played 18 regional counters, Concordia and Corban 17, with UBC and L-C State having played 13. Three games will have to be made up in the second half due to weather – a single game between Corban and Concordia, along with a pair of games between LC-State and UBC.

STREAKY SEASON: It has been a season of streaks for the Yotes – some good, some bad. An 11-game win streak was followed by an eight-game losing streak. ACI broke that streak a week ago and now takes a six-game win streak into next weekend’s series at Oregon Tech.

REGIONAL TEAM STATISTICS: Batting Average – Lewis-Clark State .343, ACI .310, Corban .292, Concordia .275, British Columbia .265, Oregon Tech .248; Earned Run Average – LC-State 2.43, ACI 3.77, UBC 4.92, CU 5.30, OIT 6.26, CRB 6.86; Fielding Percentage – LC-State .972, CRB .964, CU .954, UBC .952, ACI .952, OIT .928.

REGIONAL INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS: Five ACI players rank among the Top-5 in the latest NAIA Region I statistical round-up. Jason Roach (Sacramento, Calif. / Sacramento City CC) leads the way, recording the more strikeouts (70) than any other pitcher in the Region I, while recording the second highest total of wins (6). Casey Oliver (Pocatello, Idaho / Coll. of Southern Idaho), ranks in the Top-5 in five categories – No. 2 in stolen bases (17), No. 3 in home runs (5), and is No. 4 in runs scored (31), doubles (11), and triples (2). Pat Burke (Sisters, Ore. / Sisters HS) is third in batting average, and fifth in both RBI (28) and hits (40); Luke Howarth (Boise, Idaho / Centennial HS) is fifth in stolen bases (10); and Joey Zubizarreta (Boise, Idaho / Cochise CC) is second in earned run average (1.73).

COYOTES WIN OPENER AT CORBAN: Jason Roach bounced back after a trio of tough starts to strikeout a season-high 12 batters in eight solid innings, as the Coyotes ran their win streak to four games with an 11-4 victory over Corban College on Friday afternoon. Roach allowed four earned runs in his longest outing of the season and did not walk a man to pick up his sixth victory of 2007.  ACI rallied from a 3-1 deficit, using a Pat Burke two-run single in a three-run fourth inning rally to take the lead for good.  The No. 25 Yotes scored three runs in each of the last two innings to put the game out of reach. Richie Snider (Sandpoint, Idaho / Porterville CC) and Camron Hammond (St. Anthony, Idaho / South Fremont HS) each went 3-for-4 in the win, while Casey Oliver had a pair of doubles.

ROACH REBOUNDS: After struggling to a 8.33 ERA in his last three starts, Jason Roach got back in his groove in the victory over Corban. The senior struck out a season-high 12 men, the third time this season and the fourth time in his career. Roach was one off his career high for K’s, as he struck out 13 batters against Northwest Nazarene last season.

BACK TO BACK SHUTOUTS: ACI pitchers allowed a combined seven hits Saturday afternoon, with seniors Pat Burke and Casey Oliver leading the offensive attack, as the Yotes swept Corban College, 9-0 and 6-0, at Warrior Field in Salem, Ore. The No. 25 ranked Coyotes ran their win streak to six, as ACI completed a season sweep of the Warriors. In the opener, Andrew Brock (Burnaby, B.C. / Douglas CC) and Richie Snider combined on a three-hit shutout.  Brock went six strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two.  Burke had the big blow, launching a grand slam home run in the second inning to give the right-hander the cushion he would need. Adam Roach (Sacramento, Calif. / New Mexico Highlands U.) rapped two doubles and knocked in three runs, with Kent Bradshaw (Caldwell, Idaho / Tacoma CC) going 3-for-4 in the win. Game 2 saw Casey Oliver go 3-for-3, including a double, a two-run home run, and two stolen bases in the win.  Carson Taysom (Pocatello, Idaho / Century HS) and three relievers combined on the four-hitter.  The senior went six innings, allowing just three hits and fanning two.

OLIVER HAS SOLID WEEKEND: Shortstop Casey Oliver had his most productive weekend of the season at the plate against Corban. The senior went 6-for-9 with three doubles, a home run, two RBI, and five stolen bases in the three ACI wins.

ABOUT THE SKIPPER: The 2007 season marks the 20th year in the ACI baseball program for head coach Shawn Humberger, his seventh year as Coyote skipper. Last season, he led the squad to a 36-20 mark, their second-straight Cascade Conference championship, and a runner-up finish at the NAIA Region I Tournament. During his tenure, Humberger has compiled a 223-150-1 record, including a third-place finish at the 2002 NAIA College World Series. He has been named CCC Baseball Coach of the Year in 2002, 2005, and 2006, along with earning NAIA Region I Coach-of-the-Year and CCC Men's Coach-of-the-Year for all sports in 2002. A native of Twin Falls, Humberger graduated from Twin Falls High, played for the College of Southern Idaho for two seasons, and played at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for one year. In 1984, Humberger was part of the CSI national championship junior-college team. In addition, he was named to the 1985 Junior College All-America team. Humberger, a 1989 ACI graduate, also served as the facilities coordinator for the J.A. Albertson Activities Center for ten years, is a physical education instructor at the College, and coached Nampa's American Legion baseball program for eight seasons. 

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the ACI baseball program, head to the official site Coyote baseball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball.htm. Up to date regional scores and standings can also be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball/stats/standings.htm.

SOFTBALL (23-8): No. 28 Lady Yotes win 5-of-6 at home, set to host six games this week

COMING UP: vs. Northwest Nazarene (DH), Tuesday, 4 p.m.; vs. Concordia (DH), Friday, 2 p.m.; vs. Corban (DH), Saturday, 11 a.m.

LAST WEEK: vs. Eastern Oregon (W 6-2, W 11-1), vs. Southern Oregon (W 9-3, W 11-3), vs. No. 14 Oregon Tech (L 6-2, W 4-2)

TIME CHANGE: The ACI-Northwest Nazarene doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon has been moved up one hour. First pitch at Symms Field is expected at 4 p.m., instead of the original 5 p.m. start time.

ON THE INTERNET: It is expected that all six games this weekend will be carried live on the Internet via the ACI Athletic Website (www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/caa/radio.htm) with Mike Safford calling the play-by-play. Archives of the broadcasts are available via www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/softball/2007RADIO.htm.

LADY YOTES RECEIVE MORE VOTES IN NATIONAL POLL: Last week, the Lady Yotes received more votes in the NAIA Top-25 Poll. The squad received 13 votes by the national raters, the second-straight week they were mentioned in the poll, putting the Coyotes at No. 28 in the NAIA (the third team in the others’ receiving votes category). The next NAIA poll will be released on Wednesday afternoon.

COYOTES MAINTAIN NO. 3 SPOT IN REGION: The ACI softball team was ranked third in the third NAIA Region I rankings, released Monday afternoon – the third-straight week that the Yotes have been at No. 3. It is just the sixth time in six years that the Coyotes have been ranked in the weekly regional poll – Simon Fraser is ranked No. 1, followed by Oregon Tech, ACI, and Concordia. The Yotes were ranked fifth for two weeks last season and No. 4 in the first rankings of 2007. The poll is released each Monday.

BEST START EVER: The 23-8 start by the Lady Yotes is their best ever through 31 games, eclipsing the 16-15 start by the 2003 team. The 2002 team began 7-24, the 2004 went 8-23, the 2005 squad started 14-17, and last season, ACI began 13-18.

RECORDS SHATTERED: With their first of two victories over Eastern Oregon last Tuesday, ACI established a new school-record for wins in a season, along with establishing a new record for consecutive wins. The current tally of 23 wins is five more than the previous mark – as the Lady Yotes won 18 games during the 2003, 2005, and 2006 seasons, while the squad extended the win streak to nine games before losing on Sunday. The Coyotes have already scored more runs (173) and recorded more RBI (143) this season than any other previous ACI team. Two other records were broken over the weekend – Katie Zillner (Emmett, Idaho / Chicago State U.) set a new record for wins in a season with 12, after defeating Southern Oregon on Saturday, while Heather Kirtley (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) ran her hitting streak to 13-games, breaking the former record of 12, before seeing the streak snapped against Oregon Tech.

HIGH WATER MARK FOR PROGRAM: With an 8-2 mark and sitting in first-place in the Cascade Conference, the Lady Yotes have set their highest mark above .500 ever. Following a 5-1 week at home, ACI moved to 15 games above .500 for the first time, and currently hold a two-game lead Oregon Tech and Concordia in the loop standings.

CAN THEY AVOID THE APRIL SWOON? The fourth month of the calendar year has not been kind to the Lady Yotes in the first five season of softball. During the first five years, ACI has posted a record of 28-73 during April (.277 win percentage) – with five of those victories coming at the tail end April 2006. Last season was the best April to date (9-13), a better mark than the 2002 (3-16), 2003 (7-11), 2004 (6-14), and 2005 (3-19) teams. The Yotes are 5-1 this April.

IS HOME COOKING BE THE TONIC: Helping the Coyote cause this April is the fact that ACI will be playing their first 14 games of the month on at Symms Field. The Lady Yotes have a 10-4 record at home this season. With their five wins last week, ACI is now 46-59 all-time at Symms Field.

ROUND TWO VS. NNU: The rematch of the Canyon County softball rivalry takes place Tuesday afternoon in Caldwell, as Northwest Nazarene makes the short jaunt to Symms Field. The Crusaders (2-17) are coming off a 1-3 weekend, including a 12-11 victory over St. Martin’s. NNU is led offensively by all-star candidates Vanessa Shaw (.352 5 HR 13 RBI) and Shawna Juarez (.326 12 RBI), with Rachel Bare (2-9 5.09 ERA) as their top pitcher. It has been a tough year for the Crusaders, as the team posts a .214 batting average, a .932 fielding percentage, and an 8.97 ERA. ACI swept NNU in March, defeating the Crusaders 5-4 and 17-2 in Nampa and currently hold a 23-7 all-time series edge. The Coyotes have won the season series in each of the first five years the two teams have sponsored fastpitch softball.

CONCORDIA AND CORBAN COME CALLING: It may be early April, but ACI will be closing out their Cascade Conference home schedule this weekend. Friday, Concordia heads to the Treasure Valley, looking for revenge after the Yotes posted a pair of 3-0 victories against the Cavaliers (12-9, 6-4 CCC) in Portland. CU has two of the top power pitchers in the league in Annele Huckins (5-4 2.51 ERA, 95 K) and Diane Pulfrey (7-4 2.11 ERA, 80 K), with Kelly Rattay (.403 9 RBI) and Casey Middagh (.262 2 HR 15 RBI) leading the offensive punch. The two teams have met 26 times previously, with ACI holding a 15-11 series edge. Saturday, Corban makes their trek to Caldwell – looking for a similar result as the first CCC meeting between the teams. The Warriors (4-26-1, 1-9) picked up their lone league win against the Yotes, capitalizing on five ACI errors in a 6-5 win. Corban is led by all-star candidate Lindsey Batey (.353 8 HR 18 RBI) – but the rest of the team is hitting a combined .192. Corban ended a 14-game losing streak on Saturday at Northwest Christian – but trails the all-time series with the Yotes, 9-8.

LEAGUE NUMBERS: Team Batting Average – Oregon Tech .322, ACI .307, Eastern Oregon .286, Concordia .280, Southern Oregon 2.51, Corban .212; Team Earned Run Average – OIT 1.91, ACI 2.45, EOU 2.59, CU 2.64, SOU 5.88, CRB 8.17; Team Fielding Percentage – CU .965, ACI .957, OIT .951, SOU .943, EOU .932, CRB .923. Individually, Heather Kirtley leads the league in sacrifice hits (14) and stolen bases (18), ranking fourth in the CCC in batting average (.403) and runs scored (24). Katie Zillner leads the loop in wins (12) and strikeouts (128), ranking second in RBI (28), third in doubles (9), and fourth in hits (32). Also in the mix is Stacy Smith (Draper, Utah / Juan Diego HS), who is third in both home runs (7) and RBI (27).

HOME RUNS ADDING UP: The Lady Yotes have hit at least one home run in each of their last eight doubleheaders – dating back to their sweep of Great Falls on March 16. During that time, Stacy Smith has hit at least one home run in the last four doubleheaders – and has had one dinger in each Cascade Conference twinbill in 2007.

YOTES TAKE TWO FROM EASTERN: The Yotes ran their win streak to seven with a convincing doubleheader sweep of rival Eastern Oregon, stopping the Mountaineers 6-2 and 11-1, Tuesday at Symms Field. The wins for the Lady Yotes were the first at home over Eastern since 2003 and helped ACI record their first-ever 20-win season. A three-run first inning doomed the Mountaineers, as the Coyotes got an RBI single from Katie Zillner and a two-run home run from Haley Butcher (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) to give the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. It was all Zillner would need, as the junior limited EOU to just two hits in the complete game, tying an ACI record with her 11th win of the season. Butcher added an RBI double in a three-run fifth that put the game away.  Stacy Smith and Heather Kirtley each had two hits in the win.  Game 2 saw the Mountaineers defense break down, as seven of the 11 runs scored by ACI were unearned. The Yotes got an A.J. Cavanaugh (Covington, Wash. / Kentwood HS) RBI single in the first to take the lead, then plated seven runs in the second - thanks to a pair of dropped line drives by EOU.  The inning was capped by a long Smith three-run home run, her fifth of the season. Brooke Judy (Kuna, Idaho / Kuna HS) recorded her second complete game of the season, limiting the Mounties to just five hits in five innings, striking out six. Kirtley went 2-for-2 with three runs scored, extending her hit streak to 11 games.  Cavanaugh also added a 2-for-3 game, with two RBI.

BATS BLAST SOUTHERN OREGON: Haley Butcher and Stacy Smith each had five hits on the afternoon as the ACI softball team completed their first ever doubleheader sweep of Southern Oregon, using 23 hits to stop the Raiders, 9-3 and 11-3 Friday at Symms Field. The opener saw both starting pitchers battle with wildness, as Southern starter Alicia Caudill walked five and ACI starter Katie Zillner walk four - as neither pitcher made it out of the second inning.  The Yotes jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening frame, as Amy Rhoades (Eagle, Idaho / Dixie State Coll.) doubled home Heather Kirtley with the first run, and Smith had the first of her five RBI on the day with an infield single that made it 2-0.  ACI got runs on a bases loaded walk, a throwing error on a pick-off, and a ground ball out to take the big lead. The Raiders would come right back in the second, as a pair of bases loaded walks got SOU within 5-2.  However, Brooke Judy came out of the pen, got a bases loaded fielder choice and a ground out to end the threat.  The freshman would allow just one run in five-plus innings of relief to pick up her eighth win. ACI broke a close game open in the sixth, as A.J. Cavanaugh and Butcher each had RBI singles, and Smith launched a two-run homer to left, her sixth of the season, to make it 9-2.  Game 2 saw the Yotes jump out with three first inning runs with two outs.  Zillner doubled, followed by a Cavanaugh RBI single.  Butcher followed with an RBI double, with Smith bringing her home with a base hit to make it 3-0.  ACI would put the game away with six in the third and four more in the fourth.  Judy had a two-run double in the third inning rally and added an RBI double in the fourth to help the Yotes to the win. Butcher was 5-for-6 with five runs scored and four RBI and Smith was 5-for-7 with five RBI in the sweep. 

BIG SPLIT WITH TECH: A.J. Cavanaugh hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to give ACI the lead for good, as the Lady Yotes salvaged a doubleheader split with No. 14 ranked Oregon Tech, winning the nightcap, 4-2, Saturday at Symms Field.  OIT took Game 1, 6-2. The Owls took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a pair of Coyote miscues.  With Kindel Thompson at first and one out, Kelsi Haylett ripped a line drive that was snared in the air by ACI pitcher Brooke Judy.  However, her throw to first to double-up Thompson went down the line, allowing the inning to continue.  Brittany Shlee would rip the next pitch to right field, with the ball misplayed by Stacy Smith, allowing Thompson to score.  Amanda Doherty followed with an RBI single to cap the inning. Keri Gesner was rolling in the circle for Tech until the fifth - as Nicole Illias (Beaverton, Ore. / Valley Catholic HS) led off with a base hit and with two outs, Katie Zillner walked.  Cavanaugh, who was 3-for-3 in the game, launched a 1-1 pitch over the centerfield wall to give the Coyotes the edge.  OIT nearly tied it in the top of the sixth, as Thompson rapped a base hit to center with two outs, but Heather Kirtley gunned down Jenni Bittle at the plate to end the inning.  Smith would add her seventh home run of the season for good measure in the bottom of the frame, as ACI ended a nine-game skid to the Owls. Judy got the win for the Yotes, allowing just six hits in the complete game win. Game 1 saw a masterful performance from Bittle in the circle, as Tech ended the ACI school-record win streak at nine.  The junior limited the Yotes to just four hits and struck out five, using a nasty curve-ball to keep the hosts off-balance. OIT scored four times in the second inning with two outs off Zillner, who got the start for the Yotes.  Bittle scored from third on a double steal when the ACI throw to second went into centerfield.  Thompson added an RBI single and Haylett had a two-run single for the Owls.  The Coyotes would get a solo homer from Illias in the third to get on the board, but Tech would counter with a Shlee RBI single in the fourth and a mammoth Doherty homer, her tenth of the season, in the seventh to put ACI away.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the ACI softball program, head to the official site Coyote softball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/fastpitch.htm.

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