Lake Oswego Softball Suffers First Loss of Season

Top-ranked Lakers fall 1-0 to Mountainside in tight pitcher's duel

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting in navy, green, and orange hues, deconstructing the action and intensity of a high-stakes softball game into sharp, overlapping planes and shapes.A fractured, cubist depiction of the intense pitcher's duel between Lake Oswego and Mountainside, capturing the competitive energy and defensive focus of the top-10 softball matchup.Lake Oswego Today

The third-ranked Lake Oswego softball team suffered its first loss of the 2026 season, falling 1-0 to Mountainside in a tight pitcher's duel. Despite strong performances from senior pitcher Ava Beach and the Laker defense, Mountainside broke through with an unearned run in the sixth inning to hand Lake Oswego its first defeat after a 9-0 start.

Why it matters

This non-league matchup between two top-10 teams provided valuable experience for the Lakers as they prepare for the rest of their season. While the loss snapped Lake Oswego's nine-game winning streak, the team remains focused on improving and maintaining their strong start.

The details

In the pitcher's duel, Ava Beach allowed just one unearned run on five hits and two walks, striking out nine Mountainside batters. However, the Lakers were unable to capitalize on their few scoring chances, stranding runners in the first, third, and sixth innings. Mountainside junior pitcher Jojo Appling threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and one walk while fanning nine Lake Oswego hitters.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Lake Oswego's next game is at McMinnville on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Ava Beach

A senior pitcher for the Lake Oswego softball team who allowed one unearned run on five hits and two walks while striking out nine Mountainside batters.

Avery Cavagnaro

A junior shortstop for the Lake Oswego softball team who walked once in three at-bats against Mountainside.

Avery Latta

A sophomore center fielder for the Lake Oswego softball team who went 1-for-3 at the plate against Mountainside.

Jojo Appling

A junior pitcher for the Mountainside softball team who threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out nine Lake Oswego batters.

Avery Gaoiran

A senior for the Mountainside softball team who singled and scored the game's only run in the top of the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard going up against a really good hitting team. It's really good to get that practice and for our defense to see what a good hitting team looks like.”

— Ava Beach, Lake Oswego senior pitcher

“We actually came out pretty strong. We didn't really have a weak inning. We kept strong through the whole game, no matter if there was an error or what.”

— Avery Cavagnaro, Lake Oswego junior shortstop

“It just comes down to small things. We had a couple plays that I think we could have tidied up, but we still came out really strong … and we kept our energy up.”

— Avery Latta, Lake Oswego sophomore center fielder

What’s next

The third-ranked Lakers will look to bounce back when they face McMinnville in nonleague action at McMinnville on Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m.

The takeaway

Despite the tough loss, the Lake Oswego softball team remains focused on improving and maintaining their strong start to the season. The experience of facing a top-10 opponent in a tight pitcher's duel will serve the Lakers well as they prepare for the rest of their schedule.