Deztiny Fulfilled: Vaughan Leads SW Oregon to First-Ever Softball Title

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Led by one of the greatest overall pitching performances in NWAC Softball Championship tournament history, the Southwestern Oregon Lakers claimed their first-ever softball title, defeating Clackamas 6-1 in Sunday's championship game at Delta Park.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Deztiny Vaughan put together one of the best all-around tournaments in NWAC history as she allowed just one run in 33 innings pitched, striking out 61 hitters in the five wins.

On Sunday in the championship game, Vaughan was as dominant as ever, limiting Clackamas to three hits and one run while striking out 12 batters. The only run allowed in the tournament by Vaughan came in the top of the sixth inning in the championship game as the Cougars scored on a sacrifice fly. 

The Lakers (48-3) gave Vaughan all the run support she would need with three runs in the bottom of the third. All-Tournament selection Alapese Matautia drove in the first run with an RBI double. Fellow All-Tournament selection Sam Mansfield followed up immediately with a two-RBI double. The Lakers added on with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

Other all-tournament selections for the Lakers included centerfielder Carissa Andrews who went 7-for-16 overall and a team-best five runs scored. Joining her was catcher Ryleigh Blaire who caught every inning for high school teammate Vaughan, creating a dynamic duo for the Lakers. Blaire had a home run and three RBI in the tournament. Matautia went 7-for-15 in the tournament with two doubles, a triple and three RBI. Mansfield had a team-high four RBI in the tourney with three doubles.

SW Oregon head coach Megan Corriea and her staff were selected the NWAC Coach/Coaching Staff of the Year as voted upon by the conference coaches after their outstanding season and tournament run.

The Cougars (35-13) complete an incredible year as runners-up of the tournament. All-tournament selections for Clackamas include catcher Sophia Reyes who went 9-for-19 with a home run and five RBI. Pitcher Riley Shopp pitched 39 of 40 innings for the Cougars, going 4-2 with 36 strikeouts. Third baseman Cassidy Phelps led the team with six RBI, going 7-for-20 with a home run and shortstop Emily Dugan went 7-for-15 while playing outstanding defense.

Tournament MVP
Deztiny Vaughan, SW Oregon

All-Tournament Selections
Carissa Andrews, SW Oregon
Ryleigh Blaire, SW Oregon
Samantha Mansfield, SW Oregon
Alapese Matautia, SW Oregon
Emily Dugan, Clackamas
Cassidy Phelps, Clackamas
Sophia Reyes, Clackamas
Riley Shopp, Clackamas
Katie Fodge, Bellevue
Kelci Studioso, Bellevue
Morgan Sunchild, Bellevue
Abbey Brooks, North Idaho
Kennedy Hobson, North Idaho

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