Storm Weathered: Red-Hot Lower Columbia Spoils Belmodis Field Debut

SALEM, Ore. — The long-awaited debut of the brand-new turf and lights at Belmodis Field arrived on Sunday, but the visiting Lower Columbia Red Devils proved to be an uninvited guest. Despite flashes of power from the middle of the Storm lineup, Chemeketa dropped both ends of the doubleheader, falling 10-0 and 12-4.

While the scoreboard wasn't what the home crowd hoped for, the day wasn't without its milestones—including the first home runs ever recorded on the Storm's new state-of-the-art playing surface.

Game 1: A Struggle for Rhythm

Final Score: Lower Columbia 10, Chemeketa 0 (5 Innings)

In the opener, the Storm ran into a buzzsaw in LCC pitcher Ava Eib. Eib was nearly untouchable, racking up 10 strikeouts and allowing just three hits over five innings.

Chemeketa's Laney Deloe and Addison Bennett battled on the circle, but the Red Devils' discipline at the plate led to consistent traffic. LCC's Alisyn Parkin set the tone early with a triple and a home run, leading a 13-hit attack that kept the Storm on their heels.

• Storm Bright Spot: Layni Noonkester continued her hot streak, accounting for two of the team's three hits (2-for-2).

Game 2: Noonkester Makes History

Final Score: Lower Columbia 12, Chemeketa 4 (5 Innings)

The nightcap saw the Storm offense wake up with a vengeance. After the Red Devils put up two runs in the top of the first, Chemeketa responded with a historic moment.

With two runners on, Layni Noonkester connected on a towering three-run home run to left field. It was the first home run by a Storm player on the new turf, giving Chemeketa a 3-2 lead and a massive jolt of energy.

However, the Red Devils (2-0) showcased why they are perennial contenders. They reclaimed the lead in the second inning behind an Alisyn Parkin three-run shot and didn't look back. Zoe Moore provided a final highlight for the home fans in the fifth, launching a solo home run of her own, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

The Power Ledger: Home Run Tracker

The second game turned into a home run derby, with the ball flying well off the new turf:

Coach's Perspective: Lessons from the Dirt (Turf)

While two run-rule losses are tough to swallow, the Storm's ability to trade blows with a powerhouse like Lower Columbia in Game 2 provides a blueprint for the season.

Statistical Standouts

• Layni Noonkester: 4-for-5 on the day with a 3-run HR and 3 RBIs.

• Zoe Moore: 2-for-5 with a solo HR.

• Grace Walls: 2-for-2 in the nightcap, providing a steady spark from the bottom of the order.

  Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio