By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Willamette University softball team had a better outing on Sunday, March 10, facing Lewis & Clark College in the second Northwest Conference doubleheader of the weekend. The Pioneers continued to have some dominant pitching, holding the Bearcats to just two hits in game one, while claiming a 3-1 decision. Willamette created some offense in game two, but was unable to get the win and fell 5-3 to the Pioneers.
Elliott, Pinheiro Doubles Lead Bearcats in 3-1 Setback
Lewis & Clark loaded the bases with two outs in the second inning and put a run on the board with an RBI single from Gina Ozuna. The Bearcats tied the game in the top of the third on back-to-back doubles from Emma Elliott (So., OF, Battle Ground, WA/Battle Ground HS) and Maris Pinheiro (Fy., C/OF, Tulare, CA/Tulare Union HS).
The Pioneers answered in the bottom half of the inning. Sam Gildersleeve singled and stole second before scoring on a double from Mari Alvarez. Pinch-runner Alyssa Hoeke put L&C up, 3-1, scoring on a single by Madison Scoggins.
That would close out the scoring as Maggie O'Leary picked up the win, holding Willamette to just the pair of doubles while recording five strikeouts in the opener. Mia Rogers (So., 2B/SS/P, Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) came on in relief for the Bearcats, holding the Pioneers to just two hits while striking out two in 3.2 innings of work.
Elliott Triggers Rally With Home Run But Pioneers Come Back for 5-3 Win
Alvarez put Lewis & Clark on the board early with a sole home run in the first inning. The Pioneers scored with two outs in the third inning to stretch the lead to 2-0. Willamette pulled in front, 3-2, with three hits in the top of the fifth inning.
Elliott started things off with a home run to left center. Mia Lund (Sr., OF/UT, Omaha, NE/Westside HS) singled and stole second and would tie the game on a fielder's choice off the bat of Faith Collar (Jr., UT, Portland, OR/Roosevelt HS). Lauren Stube (Fy., C, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA/Trabuco Hills HS) singled in the inning and scored on a sacrifice fly from Pinheiro.
Lewis & Clark immediately answered in the bottom of the fifth to regain the lead, 5-3. Emily Patton tied the game with an RBI single and Gildersleeve gave the Pioneers the lead with a two-run shot, adding to her school record for career home runs, set on Saturday.
The Pioneers would hold on from that point, sweeping the season series with the win. Kenna Davis (Jr., 3B/SS/P, Alameda, CA/Alameda HS) went the distance for Willamette, recording six strikeouts in the night cap. Five Bearcats had hits in game two, highlighted by the home run from Elliott.
Lewis & Clark improved to 8-4 on the season and 4-0 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette slipped to 3-9 and 0-4 in the NWC. The Bearcats return home to face Pomona-Pitzer Colleges (Calif.) on Friday, March 15. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m. PDT.
