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

COLUMBUS, GA. -- Willamette University lost to nationally-ranked University of St. Thomas (Minn.), 4-0, and defeated Methodist University (N.C.), 6-1, on the first day of the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic on Friday, March 8. The 28-team tournament is sponsored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

The Bearcats will complete pool play on Saturday, March 8, when they take on St. John Fisher College (N.Y.) at 12:30 a.m. EST/9:30 a.m. PST. Bracket play will begin later on Saturday (based on the pool standings) and will continue on Sunday.

In Friday's first game for the Bearcats, St. Thomas, ranked #21 in NCAA Division III, scored all four runs in the fifth inning. Kendra Bowe recorded the win for St. Thomas. Hayley Glantz (So., P, Reno, NV/Robert McQueen HS) suffered the loss for the Bearcats. The Tommies had seven hits, while the Bearcats finished with four hits.

In the second game, Willamette led 2-0 after three innings and held a 2-1 lead after four stanzas. In the top of the fifth, the Bearcats tacked on four runs on their way to the 6-1 win over Methodist.

Freshman pitcher Victoria Bradshaw (Fr., P, Discovery Bay, CA/Liberty HS) earned the win for Willamette. Marcy McKee took the loss for Methodist. Willamette outhit the Monarchs, 9-8.

Willamette ended the day with a 4-10 overall record, 1-1 in the Leadoff Classic. St. Thomas, which defeated St. John Fisher, 2-0, later in the day, improved to 6-0 overall, 2-0 in the tournament.

Methodist, which downed St. John Fisher, 3-1, moved to 7-5 on the season, 1-1 in the tournament. St. John Fisher dropped to 2-4 overall, 0-2 in the Leadoff Classic.

Complete statistics were not available. Links to partial linescores are located in the right-hand column.