STOCKTON, Calif. - The Portland State softball team secured its eighth consecutive victory on Thursday evening, recording their fourth shutout in five games with a 1-0 victory over the University of the Pacific in the series opener at Bill Simoni Field.
 
The eight-game winning streak stands as the program's longest since they won 11-straight in 2011. Thursday's win also marked the Vikings' first true road victory of the year, elevating their record to 11-14. Meanwhile, the Tigers dropped to 8-22 overall after suffering their seventh consecutive loss.
 
Grace Kimball, who had only allowed a single run in her last 24.2 innings prior to Thursday's game, continued her dominance from the circle. She improved to 6-6 on the year, securing her third shutout in four starts. The redshirt junior struck out six while holding the Tigers to just six hits.  
 
The Tigers didn't make it easy for Kimball, managing leadoff doubles in both the second and third innings. However, backed by an errorless performance from her defense, Kimball kept her composure working her way out of both jams.  
 
The Vikings responded with their own offensive surge in the top of the fourth inning. Lorraine Alo kickstarted the momentum with a stand-up double that nearly cleared the left-field fence. Logan Riggenbach followed suit with a double to right center, driving in Alo and giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead.
 
Portland State's most pivotal moment on defense came in the bottom of the sixth inning. With a runner on second, Pacific sent a one-out single to right field but a charging Alexa Cepeda scooped it quickly before delivering a strike to Paetynn Lopez to cut down the tying run at the plate.  

The Vikings loaded the bases in the top of the seventh but were unable to extend their lead. Nonetheless, Kimball ensured victory by retiring three consecutive batters in the bottom of the seventh, including two strikeouts, securing the 1-0 win.

Riggenbach's 2-for-3 day at the plate led the Vikings' four-hit effort. Alo and Cepeda also added to that total. 

The Vikings hope to add to their road-win tally again tomorrow (Friday, March 22) as the series concludes with a doubleheader starting at noon.