By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

PORTLAND, ORE. -- The Willamette University softball team used explosive offense to defeat Lewis & Clark College, 15-1 on Sunday, March 28 in Northwest Conference action. WU earned the win on the run rule in five innings. The second game of the doubleheader was postponed due to rain and will be finished at a date to be determined later. WU was leading 3-1 in the top of the second inning when the game was postponed.

Willamette, ranked #18 in the nation in NCAA Division III, improved to 18-5 overall, 10-1 in the NWC with the win in the first game. WU is in second place in the NWC, one-half game behind Linfield College (11-1). Lewis & Clark fell to 3-19 overall, 0-11 in the NWC.

Talissa Huntsman (So., P, Richland, WA/Richland HS) was a key player for the Bearcats on both offense and defense. Huntsman pitched a complete game (five innings). She allowed just two hits and one run while striking out five. With the victory, Huntsman raised her season record to 4-3.

Offensively, Huntsman went 3 for 4 with a double and a home run. The home run was Huntsman's third of the season. She finished the game with two runs, three RBIs and a stolen base.

Kelli Snyder (Fr., C, Longview, WA/Kelso HS) helped jump-start the WU offense in the first inning with a two-run homer. The home run was Snyder's first as a Bearcat. She finished the game 3 for 3 with three runs and four RBIs.

The Bearcats pounded out 15 hits and earned 12 RBIs in the game. Sierra Lessel (So., OF, Eugene, OR/Churchill HS), Jessica Barry (So., OF, Cupertino, CA/Monte Vista HS) and Bri Compton (Jr., DP, Kalispell, MT/Wenatchee CC) each had two hits.

Kristen Breninger received the loss in the circle for the Pioneers. Breninger threw four innings, allowing 10 hits and 10 runs.

Willamette will face Pacific Lutheran University on April 2-3 in Salem, Ore. The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader each day, beginning at 12 p.m. (PDT). PLU lost its last two games to Linfield. The Lutes are now 10-5 on the season and 8-2 in the NWC (3rd place).