UCC Riverhawks Softball 5-6 Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor overcame an early deficit with a dramatic late rally to edge the UCC Riverhawks 6-5 in a conference softball thriller on the road Wednesday.

The Riverhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and appeared poised for an upset through five scoreless frames. But Grays Harbor broke through with four runs in the sixth inning to take control, then added two more in the seventh to build a 6-2 cushion.

UCC mounted a furious comeback attempt in the final frame, scoring three runs to pull within one, but couldn't complete the rally. Bella Garza led the charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Amanda Lloyd also had a stellar day, going 3-for-3 with a walk.

Cambria Bachmeier pitched effectively for the Riverhawks through 5.2 innings, allowing seven hits while striking out three. The sophomore kept Grays Harbor off the scoreboard until the decisive sixth inning when the Chokers' Kiernee Carter and Aryssa Aburto sparked the game-changing rally.

Grays Harbor pitcher Ashlyn Crone scattered 15 hits but managed to keep UCC off balance when it mattered most, earning the complete-game victory.

The loss drops the Riverhawks to 6-18 overall as they continue conference play. UCC will look to bounce back in their next outing with several key conference games remaining on the schedule.