THE DALLES — The No. 4-ranked The Dalles High Riverhawks extended their OSAA Class 5A Tri-Valley Conference softball win streak to nine after winning three more games last week.
The Riverhawks (4-0 TVC, 17-2 overall) started out last week with a 15-0 home win in three innings April 27 over the Madras High White Buffaloes (0-6 TVC, 3-14). The Riverhawks, guided by second-year head Coach Duane Witter and assistant Coach Jason Walters, displayed their highly proficient offense (11.42 runs per game average), which is ranked No. 1 out of all 28 Class 4A squads. The contest concluded early via the OSAA mercy rule that takes effect after three innings whenever there’s a 15-run margin.
Senior right-handed hurler Siyra Faulkner pitched a no-hitter and had three strikeouts to help lead the Riverhawks to the lopsided victory.
Witter said: “We’re really pleased with the success we’ve had. We’re in a good position in the standings and we’re hoping to win the league championship this year for the first time in two years.
“The girls are stepping up to the plate and taking on all the challenges. That’s all that the coaches can ask of them. We just hope to see them improve a little more every day.”
The Riverhawks faced the defending TVC champion Gladstone High Gladiators (2-4 TVC, 8-10) on April 29 and won at home, 8-0. Faulkner tossed another no-hitter and she had 12 strikeouts versus the Gladiators to help lead the Riverhawks to their fifth shutout of the season.
Playing their third game in four days, the Riverhawks faced the Gladiators again on April 30 on the road and won, 8-1. The Riverhawks built an 8-0 margin after four innings, taking advantage of eight Gladiator errors.
The Riverhawks had 11 hits and allowed five. An experienced Riverhawks’ squad (five seniors, five juniors) has produced 217 runs this season.
Faulkner started in the pitching circle, tossing a one-hitter through six innings. Sophomore relief pitcher Riley Wilcox closed out the game in the seventh inning.
The Riverhawks will be seeking to extend their win streak May 6 at No. 6-ranked Estacada (4-0 TVC, 13-4 overall). That game marks the Riverhawks’ third game in four days. It’s a key matchup because the winner will have sole possession of first place in the five-team league standings. The Riverhawks play at No. 14-ranked Molalla (2-2 TVC, 12-7) on May 7 and host the Indians May 11.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.