Southern Oregon softball continues its historic run in NAIA World Series, eliminates Eastern Oregon

Southern Oregon became the first team in 23 years to lose its first NAIA World Series softball game and earn a berth in the championship game Wednesday.

The Raiders defeated Eastern Oregon 8-0 Wednesday morning in the final World Series consolation bracket game at Columbus, Ga. SOU, which lost its opener to Marian (Ind.) last Thursday, won five consecutive consolation bracket games to reach Wednesday afternoon’s championship game against Oklahoma City.

Southern Oregon must beat the Stars, the lone unbeaten team in the tournament, twice to win the national title. The Raiders are seeking their fourth NAIA championship. They previously won World Series titles in 2019, 2021 and 2023.

If successful, SOU will become the first-ever team to win the NAIA championship after dropping its opening game.

Already warm from a 3-0 win against Georgia Gwinnett earlier Wednesday morning, SOU dominated the Mountaineers’ defense, whose four errors led to three unearned runs.

The Raiders opened scoring in the bottom of the second inning. Vannessa Lang singled and later scored on a throwing error to give SOU a 1-0 lead.

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Sammie Pemberton made it 3-0 in the third inning with a two-run homer.

Sarah Kerling led the offense, going 3-for-4, crossing the plate twice and tallying two RBIs.

Ayla Davies, SOU’s freshman pitcher, continued a stellar run with her third complete-game shutout since Saturday. She struck out seven batters while surrendering only five hits. It pushes her season record to 36-5, matching the program’s single-season wins record.

More Oregon Sports stories

• What Oregon’s Melyssa Lombardi, Kai Luschar, Lyndsey Grein, Paige Sinicki said before facing UCLA at Women’s College World Series

• What UCLA’s Kelly Inouye-Perez, Jordan Woolery, Taylor Tinsley, Megan Grant said before facing Oregon at Women’s College World Series

• 3 Oregon Ducks named to softball All-American team, another named nation’s top base stealer

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