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

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University softball team defeated the visiting Whitworth University Pirates, 11-10 and 4-1 in a pair of Northwest Conference games on Saturday, April 24. Willamette moved its season record to 25-11 overall, while improving to 17-7 in the NWC. Whitworth fell to 18-16 overall and to 12-14 in the NWC.

Both teams exploded offensively in the first game, combining for 21 runs on 28 hits. Mica Romero (So., SS, Woodland, CA/Woodland Christian HS) unloaded on the Pirates, going 3 for 4, including an RBI double and a two-run home run. Romero finished the game with four RBIs and three runs scored.

Sierra Lessel (So., OF, Eugene, OR/Churchill HS) and Bri Compton (Jr., P, Kalispell, MT/Wenatchee Valley CC) each had two RBIs in the game. Lessel was 3 for 3 and stole two bases. Jessica Barry (So., OF, Cupertino, CA/Monte Vista HS), Kelli Snyder (Fr., C, Longview, WA/Kelso HS) and Susie Krewer (So., 2B, Sacramento, CA/Mira Loma HS) each had two hits.

Compton earned the win in the game. The junior started the game and left in the middle of the fifth inning. She returned to pitch in the seventh thanks to the designated player rule. Compton earned her tenth win of the season (10-3).

Heather Hesselgesser led the Pirates offensively. The shortstop had five RBIs in the game, including a grand slam home run in the seventh inning. The grand slam helped Whitworth score six runs in the seventh to almost rally from an 11-4 deficit.

The Pirates eventually cut the lead to 11-10 and had runners and first and second with one out. Pinch-hitter Nina Ratliff hit into a 5-3 double play to end the game, as third baseman Talissa Huntsman (So., IF/P, Richland, WA/Richland HS) put out Caty Lieseke on her way to third and then threw out Ratliff at first.

Alyssa Bergquist picked up the loss for Whitworth. Bergquist pitched a complete game but allowed 16 hits and 11 runs, 10 of those earned.

The second game was dominated by Huntsman, who moved to the circle and pitched a complete game. Huntsman allowed just one run on seven hits while striking out four. The win moved her season record to 6-4.

Once again, it was Romero leading the way at the plate for the Bearcats. Romero went 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI and two runs. Nicole Wallace (Sr., 1B, Roseville, CA/Roseville HS) went 2 for 2 as well and had an RBI of her own.

Jessica Dickson picked up the loss for Whitworth. Her season record moved to 2-4.

Willamette is back in action tomorrow, Sunday, April 25 against Whitworth. The teams will play another set of games, with action beginning at 12 p.m. (PST).