By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

PANAMA CITY, FLA. -- The University of Texas at Tyler, ranked #2 in NCAA Division III, used one big inning to defeat Willamette University, 5-2, in the final game of pool play for both teams at the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic on Saturday, March 13. UT-Tyler remained undefeated at 9-0, 3-0 in the tournament, while Willamette moved to 9-2 overall, 2-1 in the tournament.

Willamette held a 1-0 lead until the Patriots scored four runs in the third inning. UT-Tyler used two singles, three walks, one hit batter and one error to create the four runs. WU cut the lead to 4-2 with a run in the fourth inning, but UT-Tyler added an insurance run in the fifth.

Sierra Lessel (So., OF, Eugene, OR/Churchill HS) and Mica Romero (So., SS, Woodland, CA/Woodland Christian HS) each scored during the game. Both players reached base on walks.

Alex Watilo (So., P, New Castle, CA/Del Oro HS) took the loss in the circle for Willamette. Watilo pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on six hits and allowing five walks.

The Leadoff Classic will enter bracket player later on Saturday. The Bearcats were placed in the silver bracket and will face Ramapo College at 7:30 p.m. (CST). Ramapo College is located in Mahwah, N.J.