Oregon Institute of Technology Athletics

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – For the past four seasons, the tandem of Sarah Abramson and McKenna Armantrout has been among the most dominant pitcher-catcher tandems in the NAIA. With both All-Americans graduating after last season's record-setting year, a new battery will look to replace the winningest combo in Oregon Tech softball history.
 
Abramson finished her career with 102 wins and 912 strikeouts – the latter a Cascade Conference record – as the 2022 CCC Pitcher of the Year earned back-to-back All-America honors. Armantrout played in more games than any other Lady Owl in program history, posting a career .372 batting average with 132 runs batted in.
 
"How can I say enough about what Sarah Abramson and McKenna Armantrout did for the success of Oregon Tech softball over the last four seasons," said head coach Greg Stewart. "They were instrumental in leading us to four opening round championship games, three World Series appearances in a row (not counting the COVID year), and a NAIA national runner-up finish is 2021. They have forever etched their name at the top of several categories in our record books with Sarah breaking several long-standing career and single season pitching records.  Two of the best players to ever put on an Owl uniform"
 
Stewart has turned to sophomore Jayce Seavert behind the plate, as the 2022 NAIA All-American will move from second base to the catcher slot. Seavert had a banner season after missing 2021 due to injury, hitting .323 with a team-high 12 home runs, adding 50 RBI and posting a .452 on-base percentage.
 
"Jayce Seavert will be an immediate impact behind the plate," Stewart said. "She is a great athlete with a plus-arm who has already proven herself offensively in this conference."
 
Also, back behind the plate is sophomore Marla Goodspeed, a power-hitting threat from Colorado, who posted a .250 batting average while backing up Armantrout.
 
In the circle, returning All-American Mckenzie Staub looks to move into Abramson's No. 1 starter role – having combined for 37 victories and a 2.37 ERA over the last two seasons. Staub, who earned the win in the World Series clinching game vs. Jessup in 2022, will also see time as a designated player after hitting .335 with 10 doubles and 33 RBI a season ago.
 
Junior Kacie Schmidt will see an expanded role in 2023 and was impressive during the fall season. The right-hander was 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA in 2022, recording nearly a strikeout per inning pitched.
 
The hard-throwing duo of sophomore Jenna Gorden and redshirt-freshman Carli Moore will provide valuable innings throughout the season. Gorden made seven appearances as a freshman, recording a 1.00 ERA, while Moore, a former 4A All-State performer at Henley High, redshirted last season.
 
"We have a strong pitching staff anchored by Staub, who recorded an impressive 37 wins in her first two seasons," Stewart said. "Kenzie is a tough competitor who has won several big games for us including last year's opening round championship game.   Schmidt had a fantastic fall and looks like a veteran who has been patient and is primed to get her innings this year. Gorden and Moore will both be keys to our success as they are talented young pitchers who keep improving and give us tremendous depth in the circle."
 
Tech will open the season next week with six games in Arizona – playing their first 10 games away from the Basin before the home opener, Feb. 24, vs. Corban.