The Portland State softball team began its participation in the Littlewood Invitational on Thursday, playing against Indiana and No. 22 Arizona State at Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Vikings lost both games, bringing their record to 2-5.
In the first game of the day, Portland State faced Indiana, a team that has received votes in recent national polls. Indiana took an early lead by scoring seven runs in the first inning and expanded its advantage with a strong fourth inning. The Hoosiers secured a 23-0 win under the run-rule.
The Vikings regrouped for their second matchup against nationally ranked Arizona State (6-1). Despite trailing 5-0 after the first inning, Portland State responded in the second when Gracie Toney hit a two-run home run. Giselle Pantoja, making her first collegiate start as pitcher, stabilized after giving up early runs. In the third inning, Alison Harris hit an RBI triple and Jolee Benson followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 5-5.
Pantoja kept Arizona State scoreless in both the second and third innings before allowing a two-out RBI single in the fourth that gave Arizona State back the lead. The Sun Devils added five more runs on five hits in the sixth inning to close out an 11-5 victory.
Portland State matched its season high with nine hits during this game. Grace Johnson led with three hits out of four at-bats; Nichole Orozco contributed two hits; and four other players each had one hit. Freshman Sofia Peato recorded Portland State’s only hit during their opener against Indiana.
Portland State is scheduled to continue play Friday with another doubleheader at Farrington Field, facing Nevada at 11:45 a.m. PT and Pacific at 2:30 p.m. PT.
