COLLEGE SOFTBALL: WNC splits with Snow

Western Nevada College split its Scenic West Athletic Conference doubleheader against Snow College Friday at the Edmonds Sports Complex, winning the opener 4-2 and dropping the nightcap 9-3.

Prior to the game, first baseman-pitcher Cassie Vondrak announced that she has signed a letter of intent to play at Long Island University, a Division I school that plays in the Northeast Conference.

In the opener, WNC did all of its scoring in the first four innings.

WNC put a run on the board in the third inning when winning pitcher Ashley Hall drove in Ashley Gleason, who had walked.

In the fourth, Niki DiSera doubled to score Megan Hein who was hit by a pitch. Tera Tibbitts and Gleason hit back-to-back run-scoring doubles.

Hall went the distance in the circle to earn the win for Western.

In the second game, Snow scored four in the fifth to break the game open. Sarah Cudahy had a run-scoring single in the fifth for WNC and Hall slammed a solo homer in the sixth.

Vondrak started in the circle for Western. She went five innings and was relieved by Jamie Klopatek.

The series continues today with a noon doubleheader.

Vondrak will be attending the same school that her present coach, Leah Wentworth, attended.

"She has the natural ability to compete against D-1 athletes, and with Roy and Bill's (LIU coaching staff) help, I believe she will be a big help to the team."

The opportunity to continue pursuit of her dream means the world to Vondrak, and she credits the Wildcats' program for preparing her for this next step.

"WNC has provided me work on my pitching and hitting mechanics, and I've learned the work it takes to be successful at the next level."

DAYTON TRACK INVITE

SET FOR TODAY

DAYTON - The annual Dayton High Invitational is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. today.

A total of 16 schools will be attending, including Fernley, Fallon, North Tahoe, Lowry, Spring Creek, ROP, Lovelock, Truckee, Yerington, Whittell, Sierra Lutheran and Silver Stage.

There is no admission charge, and there will be a snack bar open for food and drink purchases.

Top Dayton performers are Kathie Arias (shot put and discus), Kage Walker (high jump), Cameron McGifford (hurdles), Manuel Castaneda (shout put, discus), Jon Serrano (shot put, discus) and Katrina Breithaupt (1,600).

Sierra Lutheran is led by sprinter Nick DePaoli, miler John McRae, distance specialist Nathanael Williams and distance star Becky Grabow.