The Portland State softball team split a doubleheader against Idaho State on April 3, earning its first Big Sky Conference win of the season. The Vikings lost the opener 10-7 but responded with a 9-4 victory in game two at Miller Ranch Stadium in Pocatello, Idaho.
The result ended a five-game losing streak for Portland State and brought their overall record to 11-23, with a conference mark of 1-4. Idaho State moved to 26-15 overall and stands at 3-2 in conference play.
Both games featured high-scoring action, as runs were scored in ten out of fourteen innings combined. Portland State finished the day with seventeen hits, including twelve in game two—just one short of their season high—and recorded seven extra-base hits across both games. Four home runs contributed to the offensive output, while Sofia Peato led the team with five runs batted in for the day, highlighted by a pinch-hit grand slam during game one.
In the opening contest, Idaho State started strong with an early lead before Rylee Gaustad tied it up for Portland State with her first career home run. The teams traded leads until Peato’s grand slam put the Vikings ahead temporarily. However, Idaho State rallied late to secure the win.
Game two saw Portland State take an early advantage behind RBI from Nichole Orozco and Peato. Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung pitched her ninth complete game of the season and picked up her sixth win while striking out six batters. Sierra Llamas and Breanna Lutz each hit two-run home runs as part of a consistent offensive effort that saw multiple players collect multi-hit games.
The series will conclude Saturday afternoon when both teams meet again at Miller Ranch Stadium.
