High school softball: Pendleton bounces La Grande from state tournament

Published 11:20 am Saturday, May 27, 2023

PENDLETON — After splitting four games during the 4A Greater Oregon League season, the fifth meeting between La Grande and Pendleton was billed as a showdown with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the state 4A tournament.

The much-anticipated game failed to live up to expectations as Pendleton needed only five innings to send the Tigers home after a 14-0 victory.

Errors cost La Grande in the game as the usual staunch defense gave up six errors at Steve Cary Field in Pendleton. Tigers’ pitcher Carlee Strand gave up 11 hits to the Buckaroos and the La Grande bats went quiet as Pendleton pitcher allowed only a one-hitter with three strikeouts while the Buckaroo defense took care of the rest.

Pendleton took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The second inning saw the Buckaroos cross home plate eight times and lead 9-0 early in the game.

The fourth inning saw Pendleton place five more runs on the board capped off by Strand allowing a three-run home run by Buckaroos freshman Avery Quaempts driving in three runs.

Pendleton gave up no errors in the game with only Madison Seavert able to grab a triple early in the game to show La Grande some offense.

The Tigers end the season with a 22-5 overall record and will not have the chance to defend last year’s state title.

A young squad this season, La Grande will be without the services next season of only seniors Brielle Hood, Carlee Jensen, Joscelin Hafer and Ava Hedden.