La Grande, Ore. – (Release from Eastern Oregon University Athletics) Mountaineer softball got off to their best start since 2010 notching a couple of sweeps against NCAA Division III Willamette University and Pacific University. Eastern saw several big-time performances over the 4-0 weekend but two stood out. In the circle, it was newcomer Kaylie Hoskins who was lights out on the weekend making Mountie history pitching while Hannah Tyree did damage at the plate. Hoskins earned CCC Rize Laboratory Pitcher of the week while Tyree earned Rize Laboratory Player of the Week.
“We are very proud of how our team came to play opening weekend,” Head Coach Nicole Christian said. “These two both had outstanding performances that reflected the hard work they’ve been putting in.”
Hoskins, a new addition to the EOU Softball roster this year, had the most dominant start to a season in a Mountie uniform in program history. The sophomore tossed back-to-back no hitters while totaling 28 strikeouts on the weekend. In game two against Willamette Hoskins threw five innings of no-hit softball while striking out 11 on her way to her first win of the season. A day later the Washington native was even more dominant setting an EOU record with 17 strikeouts while allowing no hits in a 10-0 win over Pacific.
On the offensive side, it was Hannah Tyree making some noise with her bat. The infielder was a force at the plate hitting .417 on the weekend showing off the power with two homeruns and three doubles. Through four games the sophomore totaled a team-leading 11 RBIs to start the season.
Eastern has the upcoming weekend off and will return to action Friday, Feb. 17 when they take on Hope International. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. in Rocklin, Calif.
