Softball | 2/18/2010 7:38:55 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Bailey Rueck knocked in the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning and five Wolves' pitchers combined on the shutout, as the Western Oregon University softball team won its season-opener over Corban 1-0, Thursday (Feb. 18).

Rueck, who had two of the Wolves' seven hits, doubled off the left field wall to knock in Tyler Sutherland from second base with one out in the bottom of the eighth to lift WOU to the win. Tierra-Lyn Cuba also reached base in all three of her plate appearances going 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and a stolen base.

Brittany Reeves earned the win in relief in her Western Oregon debut. She pitched the final three innings of the game allowing one hit while striking out four. Jessica Wood, Stephanie Albrecht and Kelsey White all contributed with one shutout inning apiece, while Jessie Lessard gave the Wolves two perfect innings to start the game.

"The pitchers were our biggest standouts," said Western Oregon head coach Pam Knox. "I am excited about our staff and we should have one of the best around. They all showed their versatility today."

After WOU had an out on the board in the bottom of the eighth, Tyler Sutherland smacked a clean single to center field and Chelsey Grigsby slapped a bunt single between the shortstop and the third baseman setting up Rueck for the game winning hit.

"We knew we needed to get Tyler in scoring position for Bailey," Knox explained. "Bailey is very refined as hitter for a sophomore and it was just a matter of time till we got a timely hit."

Western Oregon pitchers struck out 10 Corban batters in the game without allowing a walk. They also surrendered just three singles in the game, two to Nicole Sikes.

Warriors' pitcher Makenzie Marchbanks pitched the complete game. She allowed seven hits and one run while striking out seven and walking two in 7.1 innings.

The Wolves next game will be the opening of Great Northwest Athletic Conference play when they travel to Ellensburg, Wash., for a pair of doubleheaders against the Wildcats.