Recap: Vidal Outduals Tigers For a 1-0 @bearssoftball Win

Sunday, February 25

Stockton, CA

11 am

University of Northern Colorado

8-7

Seattle

9-6

Northern Colorado

Seattle

2/25/2018 2:13:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Vidal threw another complete game shutout to give UNC a winning weekend record

By: Matthew Kushar, UNCBears.com

STOCKTON, Calif.- The Libby Matson Tournament ended well for Northern Colorado softball, as Valerie Vidal pitched another gem against Seattle for a 1-0 win. UNC went 3-2 this weekend in California and improved its record to 8-7 on the season.

Pacific started Carley Nance in the circle opposite Vidal and the two pitchers were both sharp on the day. Mady Young walked to start the game and advanced to third on a fielder's choice from Madi Schmidt. The Bears lineup was unable to bring Young home and an early opportunity to score was missed.

In the top of the fourth inning, UNC was threatening after Lauren Paige walked and Jordyn Wiatrak singled to right field. The Bears were unable to breakthrough during the inning, as Nance got out of the jam after she managed to get Sophia Taylor to ground out and then struck out Emma Brockmann.

UNC would break through in the top of the fifth after Young singled with two outs to keep the inning alive for UNC. Schmidt would step up to the plate and laced a double into left field to score Young and the Bears had a 1-0 lead.

The one run was all UNC's lineup would need, as Vidal was cruising against the Redhawk hitters. Vidal did not allow any Seattle runners to advance to third base and allowed only three to get as far as second.

UNC had a chance to add runs in the top of the sixth, after Paige and Wiatrak both singled to start the inning. Paige and Wiatrak would advance to second and third respectively after Taylor grounded out. Nance managed to get Rachel Johnson to fly out to left to avoid any damage and UNC still clung to a 1-0 advantage.

The Redhawks had two runners on in the bottom the sixth, but Vidal managed to get Savannah Loomis to foul out and the threat was ended. Seattle would get a walk in the bottom of the seventh from Erika Rodgers, who would then steal second base to give the Redhawks a chance to tie the game. Vidal would strike out Bailey Thompson to secure the 1-0 win for UNC.

Vidal was the difference on Sunday afternoon, allowing three hits and recording 10 strikeouts to only two walks. Despite the loss, Carley Nance also pitched a complete game, allowing one run on six hits, striking out five, and giving up two walks.

In their words
Shana Easley, Head Coach
"Val threw a great game for us and used her change up effectively throughout the game, which is something she's really been working on. It's been good for us to find ways to win close games from last night and today. We continued to improve on competing and working out of our comfort zone."

Notes

After struggling in her first two starts this weekend, Vidal found her groove against the Redhawks and improved her record to 5-2. She has now pitched three shutouts and five complete games so far this season. Vidal had a 2.83 ERA during the Libby Matson Tournament.
Northern Colorado's lineup hit well with two-outs, going 3-for-10 and was also 6-for-13 in advancement opportunities against Seattle.
Madi Schmidt recorded a .438 average during the Libby Matson Tournament and powered the Bears with a team-best, six RBIs on the weekend. Schmidt also had two doubles and a triple, with a .688 slugging percentage.
Lauren Paige lead UNC hitters during the tournament with a .462 average, one double, and one RBI. Paige also drew four walks and was hit by a pitch three times. Paige also was key for the Bears in the circle, going 2-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three appearances, including two starts.

Up Next
Northern Colorado softball has a quick turnaround and will travel to Fort Collins, Colo. for one game against Colorado State on Tuesday, February 27^th at 3 P.M. (MT).