HELENA, Mont. –  The Carroll College softball team battled No. 24 Oregon Tech from the opening pitch through 11 innings, but after the dust settled, the Saints fell to OIT 2-1 Monday in blustery conditions at the Capital High School Field in Helena.
 
With the win, Oregon Tech (25-9, 13-5 CCC) avoided the series sweep at the hands of the Saints (21-12, 8-7 CCC), but it didn't come easy.
 
OIT opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. With a singled that was mishandled and scored a runner.
 
In the bottom of the first inning Allison Bayer belted a ball to left center.  The ball landed at the base of the fence, but likely would have cleared it without the strong wind.
 
The Saints got on the board in the second inning when Brittany Smith singled up the left side to score Brooke Yarnall and tie the game at 1-1. It would stay knotted for nine innings.
 
Both teams had chances, the Saints left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning and in the bottom of the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Yarnall belted a ball to the right side which was barely snagged by the Oregon Tech second baseman.
 
"We track hard-hit balls in our stats and I counted 13 of those today," head coach Aaron Jackson said. "We just couldn't get a couple to drop for us. You have to give credit to OIT for playing good defense and not allowing us to get the big hit."
 
The Owls had runners on second and third in the top of the eighth, but Brooke Brown worked her way out of the jam and kept the Saints alive.
 
In the top of the 11th, OIT earned a run on a fielder's choice and couldn't get a baserunner in the bottom of the inning, giving Oregon Tech the win.
 
In the loss, Brown put up one of the best performances of her career. She struck out 11 with just one earned run and only walked three. She faced 46 batters.
 
"Today was a great battle between two good Cascade Conference teams," Jackson said. "Brooke Brown pitched an awesome game and to go all 11 innings and take the loss is unlucky for her. She deserved to win that game."
 
Five Saints recorded hits, let by Kendall Mooney with two. Smith recorded the Saints only RBI.

"All-in-all, I am pleased with our performance in this series," Jackson said. "To win the series over the number 24 team in the country is a great way to start this 11 game home stand. We look forward to getting back on the field tomorrow against our rival. It should be a great afternoon."
 
Carroll is right back in action tomorrow with a Cascade Conference doubleheader against Providence. The games will again be played at Capital High School as field conditions have yet to improve at Centennial. The games are slated for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.