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

TACOMA, WASH. -- Willamette University pounded out four extra-base hits, including a 3-run triple, and took advantage of three errors by the University of Puget Sound, as the Bearcats shut out the Loggers, 10-0, on the run rule in five innings, to start a doubleheader on Sunday, April 1. Willamette improved to 14-8 on the season, 13-4 in the Northwest Conference. Puget Sound fell to 2-21, 2-15 in the NWC.

The second game was postponed just three pitches into the top of the first inning due to the weather. No make-up date has been determined for the second game.

Willamette broke open a 0-0 game by scoring three runs in the third, adding one run in the fourth and plating six runs in the fifth.

In the third inning, Suzannah Von Trapp (Sr., 3B/DP, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) doubled down the left field line to move Jessica Barry (Jr., LF, Cupertino, CA/Monte Vista HS/UNLV) from first to third. A wild pitch allowed Barry to score the game's first run, while Von Trapp went to third.

After Heather Winslow (Fr., 1B, Oregon City, OR/Oregon City HS) walked, a passed ball brought home Von Trapp and advanced Winslow to second. Theresa Martin (Fr., 3B, Modesto, CA/Johansen HS) walked, and then joined Winslow in a double-steal. Mica Romero (Sr., SS, Woodland, CA/Woodland Christian School) drove in Winslow with a single toward first base, but Martin was thrown out at the plate trying to add an extra run.

In the fourth, Nichole Robertson (Sr., RF, Elk Grove, CA/Franklin HS/Cosumnes River Coll.) walked and stole second, before scoring on a double by Yvonne Drabin (Jr., CF, Freemont, CA/Moreau Catholic HS). WU led 4-0.

The Bearcats continued to pull away in the fifth. Back to back errors opened the inning, allowing Von Trapp and Winslow to reach base. Martin cashed in with a two-run double to right center. The next two batters were each hit by a pitch to load the bases. Susie Krewer (Sr., 2B, Sacramento, Ca/Mira Loma HS) pinch-hit and provided the Bearcats with a bases-clearing triple down the right field line.

Robertson tallied the sixth run of the inning when she scored with two outs on a pinch-hit single by Erin Norris (Fr., 3B, Salem, OR/South Salem HS).

Willamette finished with a total of six hits produced by six different players. Krewer's triple topped the list, while Von Trapp, Martin and Drabin each contributed a double. Romero and Norris singled. The Bearcats walked eight times.

Puget Sound achieved just two hits, one each by Jessica Holt and Joleen Monfiletto.

Willamette pitcher Alex Watilo (Sr., RHP, Newcastle, CA/Del Oro HS) started the game and threw 4 1/3 innings. She struck out four batters, allowed just one hit, and combined with freshman Savannah Pingree (RHP, Newcastle, CA/Del Oro HS) on the shutout. Watilo upped her record to 10-3 on the season. UPS pitcher Elayna Van Hess dropped to 1-10.

The next scheduled doubleheader for the Bearcats is slated for Friday, April 6 against Whitworth University at the WU Softball Field. First pitch is at 12 p.m. (PDT).