EUGENE, Ore. – Freshman pitcher Kalyssa Koontz threw a complete-game two-hit shutout in game two on Friday afternoon, giving the Northwest Christian University softball team a 1-0 victory and a split with Southern Oregon University. The Raiders took the first game, 6-4.

Koontz (4-6) threw the best game of her young career, allowing just two on-the-ground singles while striking out three. She was also able to force 15 ground-ball outs as she one ball was hit in the air all game, a fly-out to left field in the seventh inning. With all of the balls being hit on the ground, the Beacons were still able to complete an error-free game on defense. “It felt really natural out there today,” said Koontz. “I just let it fly and all my pitches seemed to be working. I threw a lot of first-pitch sliders and my drop balls were forcing a lot of grounders. It was just really nice to have the defense playing so well behind me.”

Head Coach Tim Hood said, “Kalyssa pitched the best game she's ever pitched today. She grew up today. She has been pitching very tense and she finally was able to relax, and she really made some big steps today.”

Not to be outdone, Southern Oregon starting pitcher Jordyn Kurtz pitched a solid game of her own, striking out eight batters while allowing just four hits. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the seventh inning when Sarah Leonard scored from second on a walk-off bloop single by Jonni Byrne.

The Beacons were not as fortunate in the first game as the Raiders jumped out to a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on a handful of NCU errors. The SOU lead went to 5-1 leading into the bottom of the sixth inning. The Beacons did not want to go quietly, and put together a come-back attempt, scoring three runs. Cassie Bishop opened the inning with a walk and moved to second on a passed ball. After a sacrifice by Lissa Hatefi and a fly out, the Beacons began a strong two-out comeback with three straight singles, capped off by a two-RBI shot for Byrne.

The rally fell short, however, and the Raiders went on to add an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Kurtz (16-13) had thrown in game one as well, striking out eleven batters while allowing three earned runs on seven hits. Brooke Davis (6-9) took the loss for the Beacons, allowing six runs (three earned) on ten hits while striking out five.

Southern Oregon (17-14, 13-5 CCC) was led in the first game by Meaghan Laughlin, batting 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored. Strohm Fouty was 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored and the senior also stole a pair of bases, giving her 33 on the season to break an SOU record.

For the Beacons (12-15, 5-13 CCC) Megan Mazanec in game one and Davis in game two were the only players to record multiple hits.

NCU will be back in action on Saturday as they play their final home games of the season against Oregon Tech.