Columbia Basin defeated Big Bend in the conference opening double-header 11-2  and 15-2 both in shortened games. Sophomore Macao Jackson threw two complete games allowing just the 4 runs combined.

In Game 1, both teams were silent early on as CBC left the bases loaded in the bottom of the 1st. So far this year, the Hawks have not gone more than 3 innings without scoring but Viking starter Riley Pirkle was able to keep them on their heels. If Pirkle was good, Jackson was better as the CBC starter also held down the Vikings for 3 straight.

Jackson's only mistake in her first 6 innings was a 2-out 2-run home run that just barely scaled the wall in left to give Big Bend the early 2-0 lead. CBC wasted no time chasing those two runs back and more. Kobbey Smith and Kendra Hart were able to drive in a handful as the Hawks took the lead back 3-2. That would be all Jackson needed as she would cruise the final 2 innings while striking out 11 in the process.

Basin scored 3 more in the fifth on RBIs from Hart, Kodi Fraser and Stephanie Bryson. In the bottom of the 6th, Fraser struck the final blow with a 2-out 2 RBI double that plated the game-ending runs giving CBC the 11-2 win.

Jackson was handed the ball in Game 2 and sent right back out where she continue to dominate the Vikings. This time, the Hawk lineup didn't waste any time getting started. CBC scored in every inning they took the plate for capped off by an 8-run 4th inning that gave them a 15-1 lead. Four different Hawk hitters logged 3 hits in the team effort including home runs from Hart, Ashlynn Nixon and Madi Olson who is now in the top 3 of most NWAC hitting categories.

Jackson turned in another dazzling performance scattering 7 hits while allowing just 2 runs for the 5-inning complete game. She is now 6-2 on the year with a stellar 5.14 ERA for #2 ranked Columbia Basin. They will take a week off before hosting North Idaho at home on Friday the 24th with first pitch at 2pm.