Barlow softball ‘feeding frenzy’ consumes rival Sandy in 11-0 win

Published 8:03 pm Monday, April 28, 2025

One inning after proving Sandy softball could bleed, breaking what had been a perfect game through three innings, Barlow softball went on a feeding frenzy at the plate.

The Bruins scored 10 runs in two innings, featuring strong hits from players up and down the lineup. The crucial moments came from senior catcher Peyton Trickel, who had back-to-back doubles that broke things wide open.

“Confidence is contagious, especially when everyone is cheering you on — it was electric in here tonight,” Trickel said.

That success spurred more, as the Bruins used seven-straight hits in the seventh inning to seal the win against its talented conference foe.

“A lot of hitters clutched up at the end of this game,” said Coach Rob Gehrke. “We found a way and started hitting the ball hard.”

That is the kind of showing a team needs when a dreaded “curse” is hanging over its head.

“This is my fourth year here at Barlow, and every time we come to Sandy it has always been a really bad loss for us,” Trickel said. “So this year I’m really glad we broke that Sandy curse and finally beat them on their own field.”

Barlow won 11-0 over Sandy Monday evening, April 28. The bout was one of the marquee matchups in the Mt. Hood Conference this season, which has turned into a three-way sprint between Barlow, Sandy and Gresham. That triumvirate sport strong records, talented players, and high rankings.

Headed into this clash, which was closer than the final score shows, had both the Bruins and Pioneers undefeated in league play with four-game win streaks.

For Barlow (11-5, 5-0 League), Trickel had 2 doubles and 2 RBIs; senior slugger Charli Renner had a double, 4 RBIs and a run; freshman Alyssa McCormick had 2 doubles, an RBI, and a run; senior Emmy Mayfield scored 3 runs; junior Sydney Trapp scored 2 runs; senior Evie West and junior Katie Jordaine both added an RBI and a run; and senior pitcher Kaylee Pokorny had 12 strikeouts (7 innings).

“Kaylee, great game kid,” said Coach Gehrke.

“Kaylee did such a great job tonight and she controlled the ball really well,” added Trickel. “I was proud to see her do what she needed to do.”

For Sandy (12-5, 4-1 League), senior Katy Emerson had a double; senior Taylor Donahue had a single and a steal; and senior pitcher Ruby Marak had 4 strike outs

Pioneers’ Marak was dominant in the circle early, frustrating the Bruins batters. Then things changed in the fourth inning thanks to Trickel. She let out a roar after dropping a hit into right field, and then scampering to second base after a wild throw from Sandy. A few plays later Trickel’s courtesy runner, senior Emmy Mayfield, stole home for the opening score.

Barlow added to the lead in the fifth inning. Again it began with a Trickel double, which scored a pair. That was followed by two more batted in by Renner for the 5-0 lead.

Then came that seventh inning which left the Bruins coaching staff happily shaking their heads. Seven bats boomed, punctuated by a doubles from Renner and McCormick (who had one of the plays of the game defensively by dropping into the splits to secure an out at first base).

“This year has been one of the loudest dugouts we’ve had,” said Trickel, who credited that support as the key to Barlow’s successes. “I’m so pumped and energized to be a part of it.”

The rematch between the two teams will be Wednesday, May 14, at Barlow High.