[Softball] 7 Unearned Runs Doom USK in First Game of Opening Round

Saint Katherine won the Capital Pacific Conference Championship tournament title by beating perennial conference power Simpson twice, advancing the Firebirds to their first national postseason appearance riding a five-game win streak.  The reward for their historical run at the close of the season:  open the 2021 NAIA Softball World Series Opening Round against the defending national champion Southern Oregon on its home field.  The Raiders, who were the only team ranked No. 1 in the nation this season, blanked USK 7-0 behind a three-hitter from their ace, Gabby Sandoval, at U.S. Cellular Community Park, Ashland, Ore.