Everything seemed like it was on track for the YVC softball team heading into a May 6 doubleheader at Walla Walla. The Yaks had won four of their past six games to reach .500 for the season, and the bats were beginning to catch fire.  But a sweep in Walla Walla, followed by a home sweep by the Warriors on May 9, dropped YVC to 7-11 heading into this Thursday's home twin bill against first-place North Idaho (18-4).

YVC surrendered double-digit runs in each of the four games against Walla Walla, falling 17-7 and 17-9 on the road, and 18-13 and 12-9 at home. The Warriors now sit in second place in the NWAC East Region at 12-4.

Game one highlights on May 6 included home runs by Alexis Lokeni, Karly Hanosky and Tiauna Walker. Hanosky, the designated player, was 2-for-3 with four RBI, while third baseman Walker went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Leadoff hitter Cassidy Base also delivered two base knocks.

Hanosky had the hot bat again in game two, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Lokeni hit another home run and drove in two, while Jasmine Almueti was 2-for-2 with three RBI.
On May 9 at home, Lokeni went yard for a third consecutive game, finishing 1-for-3 with three runs and three RBI. First baseman Parker McAtee was 3-for-4 with four RBI, leftfielder Emma Jay was 3-for-5 and shortstop Andi Uemura was 3-for-5 with two runs scored.  Madison Koler, Hanosky and Base added two hits apiece for the Yaks, who totaled 18 hits in game one.

YVC's hot hitting continued in game two, with Base going 3-for-5 with two RBI and Tayah Townsend going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Almueti was 2-for-4 with two RBI and Lokeni, Hanosky and Walker each added two base hits.

Following Thursday's home doubleheader with the Cardinals, YVC will travel to North Idaho for two more on Sunday.