High-Octane Saturday: Storm Split Offensive Explosion in Pasco

PASCO, Wash. — If the fans in Pasco wanted fireworks, the Chemeketa Storm delivered. In a Saturday doubleheader defined by blistering bats and relentless rallies, the Storm showcased an offensive ceiling that few teams in the NWAC can match. Chemeketa combined for a staggering 24 runs and 23 hits on the day, navigating a heartbreaking 15-13 loss in the opener before roaring back for a dominant 11-2 statement win in the nightcap.

Game 1: The Slugfest of the Season

Final: Columbia Basin 15, Chemeketa 13

The opening game was less of a softball contest and more of a heavyweight prize fight. The Storm and the Hawks traded haymakers for seven innings, with Chemeketa actually out-hitting CBC 15 to 14.

The story of the game was Zoe Moore. The Storm standout put on a power-hitting clinic, launching two home runs and driving in five RBIs. Her three-run blast in the fourth inning kept the Storm within striking distance when the Hawks threatened to pull away.

Despite trailing 15-8 entering the final frame, the "never say die" attitude of this Storm squad was on full display. Chemeketa exploded for five runs in the top of the 7th, highlighted by RBI knocks from Layni Noonkester and Moore. The rally ultimately fell just two runs short, but it set a defiant tone for the rest of the afternoon.

• Top Performers:

  • Zoe Moore: 3-for-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI

  • Grace Walls: 4-for-4, 2 RBI, SAC Fly

  • Ava Woods: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2B

Game 2: The Qualls & Noonkester Show

Final: Chemeketa 11, Columbia Basin 2

Determined to avenge the narrow Game 1 loss, the Storm wasted no time in the rematch. Layni Noonkester provided the exclamation point in the very first inning, launching a massive three-run home run to give Chemeketa an immediate 4-0 cushion.

While the bats remained hot, the story shifted to the circle, where Shayla Qualls turned in a dual-threat masterclass. Qualls was nearly untouchable on the rubber, tossing 5.0 innings and allowing just two runs to earn the victory. Not content with just pitching, she helped her own cause at the plate, lacing a two-RBI double in the third inning to break the game wide open.

By the time Grace Walls doubled in the fourth to make it 10-2, the result was a foregone conclusion. Chemeketa played clean, aggressive softball, committing only one error and forcing the Hawks into a shortened six-inning game via the run rule.

By The Numbers: A Day of Dominance

The Storm's middle of the order is currently a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Looking Ahead

The Storm leave Pasco with a split, but more importantly, they leave with an identity. When this lineup clicks, they are capable of scoring in bunches and punishing mistakes. If they can carry the defensive discipline from Game 2 into the coming weeks, the rest of the conference should be on high alert.

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