KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — For the first time since 2016, The 10th-ranked Eastern Oregon softball team claimed the Cascade Collegiate Conference title for the first time since 2016 on Monday. The Mounties defeated Southern Oregon for the second time in two days at John and Lois Stilwell Stadium, 5-3.

The Mountaineers scored in the first inning when  Madison Olson powered an RBI double into left field to plate Hannah Tyree.

Southern Oregon would fight back to take a 2-1 lead in the third inning, but EOU responded with a Tyree double that scored a run before Olsen’s grounded scored Katelynn Evans to give her team the 3-2 advantage.

The Raiders tied the game at 3-all in the fifth, but Tyree would provide the Mounties with all the insurance they needed in the bottom of the frame. She roped a two-run homer to center to secure victory.

Cascade Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Year Kaylie Hoskins earned the victory after recording eight strikeouts, improving to 15-3 on the season.

With the victory, Eastern Oregon improved to 37-8 on the season, clinching an automatic bid to the 43rd Annual NAIA Softball National Championships, with opening rounds set to begin May 13.