UCC Riverhawks Softball 1-2 Centralia

A scoreless pitching duel through six innings turned into heartbreak for the Riverhawks, who surrendered two runs in the bottom of the seventh to fall 2-1 to Centralia in conference softball action on Monday.

The game remained locked at 0-0 until UCC finally broke through in the top of the sixth. Natalie Hudson scored the game's first run, driven home by catcher Gracie Mello to give the Riverhawks a 1-0 advantage heading into the final frame.

But Centralia answered emphatically in the seventh. After UCC starter Cambria Bachmeier worked through five-plus innings of scoreless ball, the Blazers rallied for two runs against reliever Kasey Ogan to steal the victory. Centralia's Makayla Chavez delivered the decisive blow, driving in both runs to complete the comeback.

Center fielder Lexie Gidcumb paced UCC's offense with a 2-for-4 performance, while Mello, Ella Martinez-Bryson, and Hudson each contributed hits in the tight contest. Bachmeier pitched admirably through 5.1 innings, allowing just three hits while walking six.

Centralia pitcher Ava Hernandez dominated UCC hitters, striking out eight while scattering five hits over seven complete innings to earn the victory.

The loss drops the Riverhawks to 4-5 overall as conference play continues to heat up. UCC will look to bounce back in their next outing as they search for consistency in the early portion of their league schedule.