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

COLUMBUS, GA. -- Willamette University earned victories over Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) and Alma College (Mich.) on Sunday, March 10, during the final day of the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic, as the Bearcats won the consolation title of the Silver Bracket. WU rolled past Gustavus Adolphus, 13-4, in the consolation semifinals, before defeating Alma, 5-1, in the consolation championship game.

Hayley Glantz (So., P, Reno, NV/Robert McQueen HS) picked up the pitching victory against Alma, while Victoria Bradshaw (Fr., P, Discovery Bay, CA/Liberty HS) recorded the win against Gustavus Adolphus earlier in the day.

Willamette outhit Gustavus Adolphus, 14-6, in the semifinal game. The Bearcats trailed 4-0 after one inning, but Willamette scored the final 13 runs of the game. After tying the score with two runs in the second inning and two runs in the third inning, the Bearcats surged in front 8-4 by plating four runs in the fifth. WU tacked on one run in the sixth and four more runs in the seventh.

The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead against Alma in the bottom of the second inning and extended the margin to 2-0 with a run in the next inning as well. Alma cut the lead to 2-1 with a run in the fourth inning, before Willamette added two insurance runs in the fifth and one run in the sixth. WU registered 10 hits, while Alma attained six hits.

A total of four brackets were completed at the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic: Gold determined 1st through 8th overall, Silver determined 9th through 16th overall, Bronze determined 17th through 24th overall and Copper determined 25th through 28th.

Trine University (Ind.) claimed the overall title by wining the Gold Bracket. Emory University (Ga.) won the Silver Bracket and Washington University (Mo.) won the Bronze Bracket.

Willamette went 4-2 during the tournament and is now 7-11 on the season.

Up next for the Bearcats is a Northwest Conference doubleheader against Pacific University at the WU Softball Field on Saturday, March 16. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).