MISSOULA, Mont. – UGF softball played an exhibition doubleheader against the University of Montana in preparation for the upcoming Cascade Collegiate Conference playoffs. The Lady Argos lost both games, 5-0 & 10-0, while resting a few key players during the two games.
 
Junior Shelby Abeyta (28) pitched game one, while usual Lady Argo ace, Keeley Van Blaricom (6) got to rest her arm. Abeyta battled hard against the NCAA Division I opponent, allowing eight hits and striking out three Griz batters.
 
While UGF didn't manage a run in either game, junior Jackie Thomas (7) proved she can hit against elite level pitching, going 2-3 in Game 1. Seniors Alex Lowry (14) and Van Blaricom, who still hit and played right field, also got hits in the Game 1.
 
Things were a little more difficult for UGF in Game 2, getting no-hit in a 10-0 loss. The Lady Argos were able to make contact against the Griz pitcher, only striking out three times.
 
UGF hopes to use the experience against a tough opponent to prepare for a conference playoff matchup against #23 Oregon Institute of Technology on May 6 at 12:30 p.m. MST in Ashland, Ore. OIT beat UGF in both games of a road doubleheader earlier in the season.