HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley softball team has won seven in a row and nine of their past 10 games.
Coached by Madelynn Vallejo, the Eagles are 11-2 overall and opened their 16-game Northwest Oregon Conference schedule with back-to-back games against Parkrose on April 15 and 16. HRV won handily 17-1 as eight different Eagles scored runs. As a team they scored 11 in the fourth inning. Senior Grace Rowan continued her domination against Parkrose, as she went 3-for-3 at the plate with five RBI. The starting pitcher, Rowan allowed two hits and struck out nine batters in four innings. The next day, Hood River won again 18-0 as the Broncos only had two hits.
“It was a difficult start to the week, as we didn’t really have anything hit at us,” Vallejo said. “When kids were able to settle in and adjust to what type of game it was going to be, they did their jobs.”
Vallejo said some position shifts in the infield and play from underclassmen have propelled HRV to new heights this season. Senior Sarah Mason is playing shortstop and Vallejo said her playmaking ability is crucial for the Eagles’ infield defense.
Junior Kenadie Lucas is HRV’s No. 2 pitcher when she isn’t playing second base. Hood River sophomore, Bella Belcher, is stationed at first base and Vallejo said she is left-handed, which makes it easier for catcher Isa Rivera to pick off runners.
“Our secret weapon this year has been Gracyn Hanshaw,” Vallejo said. “She’s really come out for us at third base and done an incredible job commanding the infield.”
The Eagles are anchored by Rowan, who will play for the Division 1 University of Massachusetts Lowell Riverhawks next spring. She is nearing a number of records for the most home runs in a season and most home runs in a career. Class of 2019 catcher Makenzie Chambers currently holds both records (nine home runs in a season, 18 for a career). Rowan, who did not hit her freshman season, is one dinger away from setting a new school record for career home runs. Her next opportunity will come against Putnam on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, the Eagles made short work of visiting Putnam, winning 14-3 behind Rowan’s two home runs and another from Belcher. Hood River Valley is 3-0 in conference and ranked No. 4 in the Class 5A OSAA rankings.
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