Exciting Split for Vikings on Opening Day at the Oregon Classic – Highlights from Portland State University Athletics

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State softball team split its games on Friday at the Oregon Classic. The Vikings started strong, defeating Loyola Chicago 11-7, but fell short against No. 14 Oregon, losing 9-1.

The Vikings now have a record of 4-13, while Loyola’s record dropped to 2-13. Oregon remains unbeaten at 17-1.

In their first game, Portland State took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. However, Loyola fought back, putting up five runs, including three in the third inning.

When they needed it most, the Vikings stepped up. Neveah Smith drove in Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung in the sixth inning. A costly error by Loyola allowed two more runs to score, tying the game at 5-5. Loyola briefly took the lead again with an inside-the-park home run, but Portland State came roaring back. The Vikings scored six runs in the seventh, thanks to three errors and four hits, to take an 11-6 lead. Although Loyola managed one more run, Grace Kimball secured the win on the mound.

Kimball earned the victory with two innings of relief. Nakoa-Chung started, allowing only one run in three innings. The Vikings totaled nine hits, just shy of their season-high. Freshman Rylee Gaustad shone with a career-best 3-for-4 performance, while fellow freshman Nichole Orozco drove in two runs.

In the second game, Portland State faced a tough challenge against the 14th-ranked Ducks. Oregon jumped ahead early, scoring four runs in the first two innings. The Vikings found their footing in the third with an RBI triple from Smith, bringing in Jade Henry. However, Oregon continued to pile on runs, securing a run-rule victory.

In this game, the Vikings managed only two hits—Smith’s triple and a single from Ellie Babbitt.

Portland State will return to the field on Saturday at Jane Sanders Stadium. They’re set to play San Diego at 10 AM, followed by a rematch against Loyola at 12:30 PM.

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