OREGON - Continuing off of their impressive start of the season, the Monroe softball team only added to their case as one of the area's most complete teams by picking up a 16-0 shutout Tuesday against Oregon.
Through four innings, the Cheesemakers were in the process of throwing a no-hitter, but with one out in the fifth, Oregon was able to get a hit and get on base.
Natalie Dillon started on the mound for Monroe, throwing 4 1/3 innings of work. Despite showing complete control on the mound, a couple of spectacular plays by key reserves were able to keep Dillon's no-hit chances intact.
"We had some players make some amazing plays to keep our no-hit bid alive," Cheesemakers coach Dale Buvid said. "I loved the effort that they gave on those plays."
At the plate, Monroe was virtually unstoppable. The Cheesemakers compiled 16 hits, with a slew of players collecting multiple hits. Senior Kayla Updike (3-for-3), Taylor O'Lesky (3-for-4), Kirsten Vetterli (3-for-3), Kari Jordan (3-for-4), Ellie Grossen (2-for-4), and Chandra McGuire (2-for-2) collectively made the game a long night for the Oregon pitching staff.
With their recent success, Buvid remains optimistic that his team can continue their play.
"We're continuing to do good things," he said. "You have to like the way we're hitting the ball and playing at the plate. (Defensively) we are playing solid. We've got some young pitchers and a nice battery who are continuing to improve and get better. As long as they are performing well, our team should be in good shape."
Through four innings, the Cheesemakers were in the process of throwing a no-hitter, but with one out in the fifth, Oregon was able to get a hit and get on base.
Natalie Dillon started on the mound for Monroe, throwing 4 1/3 innings of work. Despite showing complete control on the mound, a couple of spectacular plays by key reserves were able to keep Dillon's no-hit chances intact.
"We had some players make some amazing plays to keep our no-hit bid alive," Cheesemakers coach Dale Buvid said. "I loved the effort that they gave on those plays."
At the plate, Monroe was virtually unstoppable. The Cheesemakers compiled 16 hits, with a slew of players collecting multiple hits. Senior Kayla Updike (3-for-3), Taylor O'Lesky (3-for-4), Kirsten Vetterli (3-for-3), Kari Jordan (3-for-4), Ellie Grossen (2-for-4), and Chandra McGuire (2-for-2) collectively made the game a long night for the Oregon pitching staff.
With their recent success, Buvid remains optimistic that his team can continue their play.
"We're continuing to do good things," he said. "You have to like the way we're hitting the ball and playing at the plate. (Defensively) we are playing solid. We've got some young pitchers and a nice battery who are continuing to improve and get better. As long as they are performing well, our team should be in good shape."
