Storm Dominance: Deloe and Bennett Silence Umpqua in Twin Bill Shutouts
Trissell and Noonkester Power Storm to Dominant Sweep Over Umpqua
SALEM, Ore. — On a day where the pitching was nearly untouchable and the bats provided plenty of fireworks, the Chemeketa Storm delivered a clear message to the NWAC South: Belmodis Field is a difficult place to find a hit.
The Storm swept Friday's doubleheader against Umpqua Community College, combining elite circle performances with timely power hitting to secure 1-0 and 8-0 victories. The sweep showcased a team clicking in all phases of the game as the postseason race intensifies.
Game 1: Deloe Wins a Classic Pitcher's Duel
Final: Chemeketa 1, Umpqua 0
The series opener was a masterclass in tension and defensive poise. Laney Deloe took the ball for the Storm and was absolutely relentless. Despite Umpqua putting runners on base in nearly every frame, Deloe navigated through traffic with veteran composure, racking up 7 strikeouts over a full 7.0 innings of work to earn the shutout win.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth. The spark came from Kylie Carapinha, who reached third after a masterful offensive sequence. With the game on the line, Meagan Trissell played the hero, driving a hard ground ball to second that allowed Carapinha to cross the plate for the game's only run. It was a "small ball" victory that relied on the Storm's discipline and defensive execution.
Game 2: Bennett's One-Hitter and the Long Ball
Final: Chemeketa 8, Umpqua 0 (5 Innings)
If Game 1 was a tactical chess match, Game 2 was an offensive explosion. Addison Bennett dominated from the first pitch, surrendering just one hit and walking only one batter while striking out six in a five-inning mercy-rule masterpiece.
Bennett's dominance allowed the Storm offense to play with total freedom. The power display was headlined by:
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Meagan Trissell: Continued her torrid day by launching two home runs and driving in three.
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Layni Noonkester: Crushed a solo home run in the fifth to help seal the victory.
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Ava Woods: Set the table perfectly, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
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Kylie Carapinha: Stayed hot at the plate, adding a double and two RBIs to her daily total.
The Storm ended the game in style in the fifth, with Noonkester and Trissell hitting back-to-back homers followed by an Ava Woods walk-off single to trigger the eight-run rule.
Weekend Standouts
| Athlete | Performance | Impact |
| Laney Deloe | 7.0 IP, 0 R, 7 SO | Threw a complete-game shutout in a high-pressure duel. |
| Addison Bennett | 5.0 IP, 1 H, 6 SO | Tossed a nearly perfect one-hitter to secure the sweep. |
| Meagan Trissell | 2 HR, 4 RBI (Combined) | The offensive powerhouse of the day, including the G1 game-winner. |
| Kylie Carapinha | 4 Hits, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI | Provided the extra-base threat the Storm needed in both games. |
The "Storm Wall" Defense
A major factor in the sweep was the Storm's ability to limit Umpqua's extra-base opportunities. By keeping the ball in the park and executing clean transitions, Chemeketa forced Umpqua to strand 7 runners in the first game alone.
Looking Ahead
The Storm's ability to shut out a conference opponent in back-to-back games provides massive momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. With Deloe and Bennett commanding the circle and the heart of the order finding its power, Chemeketa is peaking at the perfect time.
Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio
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