Doubleheader Turns Into Home Run Derby

Everett, WA - In a home doubleheader against #3 ranked Bellevue, the Trojans found themselves in a slugfest, a night in which both games lasted over three hours, 72 total runs were scored including 21 total home runs.  Unfortunately EvCC was on the losing end of both games, but had their opportunities to knock off the NWAC power that returns 12 sophomores from last years team that finished 2nd in the NWAC losing in the championship game 8-7.  

Back to back solo home runs by the Bulldogs in the top of the first inning in Game One was an early indicator of what was in store for the rest of the evening.  With the game tied at 3, the Trojans jumped out to a five run lead in the bottom of the 5th, highlighted by Jordyn Lono's 3-run home run. EvCC nearly had an opportunity to end it all by way of the 8-run rule with two runners on, but Bellevue was able to work out of it.  The Bulldogs then responded with 6 runs in the top of the 6th with two home runs to take the lead back 9-8. Everett could not respond in the bottom of the inning, but starting EvCC pitcher Serina Penrod was able to shut out Bellevue in the 7th with two strikeouts to give EvCC a chance.  To lead off the 7th Maddie German blasted a two strike lead off home run to tie the game, but that would be the only offense generated pushing the game into the first extra inning contest of the season for either team.  

Everett went to freshman Morgan Epperson to relieve Penrod in extras and Bellevue got two runs in the 8th, aided by a Trojan error. However once again Everett rallied in the bottom half of the inning using the home run ball, solo shots by Jordyn Lono and Kayla Tuaoa. Bellevue looked to have the game in hand in the 10th inning scoring 3 runs, yet Everett would not give in so easily.  With two outs Jordyn Lono smacked a 2 run homerun (her 3rd bomb of the game) that cleared the scoreboard and brought life back. A batter later and trailing by a run, Isabelle Hansen stepped up to the plate and deliverd on the first pitch a shot to left center to tie the game at 14. 

Two errors and two walks plagued Everett in the 11th inning, giving up six runs and proving to finally be too much to recover from.  The Trojans didnt leave the game without a fight and managed to get a run across, but ultimately fell 20-15 in the 3.5 hour contest.  

Game two originally scheduled to start at 6pm, did not get underway until close to 8:30pm.  Under the lights more runs would continue to be produced via the long ball as both teams combined for 9 home runs.  Trailing 10-7 in the 5th, Everett put up 8 runs in the bottom of the 5th, capped with an Isabelle Hansen grand slam and again nearly ending it all on the 8 run rule.  Like a carbon copy of the first game, Bellevue answered back with 8 runs of their own to claim an 18-15 lead.  Everett got the three runs they needed, but Bellevue capped the game with 3 more in the 7th to win the second game of the night, 21-18.

The marathon day produced the most offense in recent memory of any Trojan softball doubleheader.  Madison German led the team with 7 total hits and batted .636 and also pushed across 9 RBI's.  Savanna Ah Mook Sang Frank, Jordyn Lono, and Isabelle Hansen each had 5 hits, and Alli Wilson and Kayla Tuaoa both had 4 hits.  The home run queen was Jordyn Lono with 4 on the day, Madison German had two as did Isabelle Hansen.  Kayla Tuaoa was the other Trojan to hit a home run, the 11th of her career.