Prep Softball: South Umpqua falls 1-0 to Vale in 3A state title game
EUGENE — The Class 3A softball state championship game was the pure definition of a pitcher’s duel.
South Umpqua’s Jasmine Morales and Vale’s Sophia Navarrete were practically untouchable through the extra-inning affair Friday at Jane Sanders Stadium, but the Vikings finally broke the stalemate in the ninth inning for a 1-0 victory and the program’s first-ever state title.
Morales had a no-hitter through eight innings, but gave up a lead off double to Kayci Shira in the ninth. Shira scored the game-winner two-batters later when Braelyn Keller deposited a base hit down the line in left field.
Vale finished the season with a perfect 30-0 record. The Vikings are the first team to go undefeated on the year since 2023.
Morales finished with 17 strikeouts on the day. The senior allowed just two hits and had two walks.
Shiloh Gilbert and Kylee Pachao had the only two hits for the Lancers. Navarrete struck out nine with no walks or hit batters through nine innings.
South Umpqua (27-3) will have four seniors graduate from the program; Morales, Regan Ireland, Danika Richardson and Pachao.
