OSCODA - May 24, 2006 - Win streaks and Oscoda softball have been strangers for quite some time. But with district tournament competition looming on June 3, the Owls are on a roll, having lost only once in their last nine games after sweeping Lincoln-Alcona 1-0 and 8-4 on Wednesday.

Riley Shelton tossed the first shutout by an Owls' pitcher this season in the opener, striking out three and not walking a batter.

"Riley pitched two great games," said Oscoda coach Jamie Samotis. "Her strength is improving so (much) this year."

Oscoda had six hits in the game, including a triple by Laurie David and a double by Heather Spenceley.

Shelton struck out seven and walked two in the second game and hit a home run in the second inning. David had had her second triple of the doubleheader and Heather Patterson had two hits, including a double. David, Shelton, Spenceley and Lindsey Walker each drove in runs.

The Owls' late-season surge has been fueled by pitching and defense as the youthful squad, with just two seniors and five starters who are either sophomores or freshmen, adjusted both to varsity competition and new coach Jamie Samotis.

After giving up nearly 300 runs in their first 29 games - just over 10 per game - the Owls have allowed exactly three runs a game since their May 16 doubleheader at John Glenn. And since that day, which included a 7-7 tie with the Bobcats, no team has scored more than four runs against the Owls.

"The girls have played well under pressure," Samotis said. "I am so happy with the way the girls are playing as a team. If an error is made on the field they buckle down on the next play to get out of a bad situation before we get pulled down.

"I have seen a huge change in attitude from negative to positive this seasson. The defense behind our pitcher and catcher is growing stronger each day."

Oscoda (17-21-1 overall) hosts Gladwin on Tuesday in a final regular-season tune-up, then plays either Roscommon or Alcona in their first district tournament game at Whittemore-Prescott on Saturday.