Fort Lewis vs. Cameron box score
Fort Lewis vs. St. Cloud State box score

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — One thing is for certain about the 2012 Fort Lewis softball team: "Chicks dig the long ball," to quote an old Nike commercial featuring Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Mark McGwire.

Despite dropping a pair of games in the second day of Montana State-Billings' Desert Stinger, Fort Lewis (1-3 overall) continued to belt home runs with regularity.

After falling down 9-3 in the first five innings to Cameron (Okla.) in the day's first game, third baseman Chelsea Rodriguez and right fielder Destinee DeHerrera smashed two-run bombs to right center to close the gap to two runs in a 9-7 loss.

“It was nice to see us bounce back. I was very happy with how our team rebounded in the seventh inning,” said second-year FLC skipper Kira Zeiter.

Stephanie Janes (0-1) pitched the first three innings, surrendering five runs and five hits to take the loss. Kassie Haubert worked four innings of relief, giving up four runs and seven hits.

Rodriguez went 3-for-3 with two runs and three RBI for the Skyhawks.

The hot bats continued in the first inning of FLC's late game against St. Cloud State (Minn.). Catcher  Haley Bolyard belted a three-run shot and designated player Kamali'i Peneku hit a two-run tater to stake freshman pitcher Olivia Bergman to a 5-0 lead.

Bergman (0-1) got roughed up by St. Cloud State, though, lasting just three innings while giving up seven runs on nine hits. Alexis Villegas worked four innings in relief, allowing three runs on five hits as the Skyhawks lost 10-6.

“I'm looking forward to our hot bats continuing throughout the season,” said Zeiter, whose troops have hit eight home runs in four games. Peneku, Rodriguez, and shortstop Myndee Thompson each have two round-trippers in the young season.

Fort Lewis concludes its annual trek to the desert at 3 p.m. (MST) tomorrow when it faces Minot State (N.D.) at Majestic Park Field 9.