Salem, Ore. - Willamette Softball jumped out to early leads in both games on the final day of their Northwest Conference series against Lewis & Clark College, but ultimately fell to the Pioneers by scores of 12-8 and 5-3.  Maris Pinheiro had five hits on the afternoon to lead the Bearcats and Mia Rogers and Emma Elliott each had three RBIs.

Game one saw each team go scoreless for the opening innings until the Bearcast broke through in the bottom of the third thanks to RBI singles from Elliott and Desirae Hatfield.  Lewis & Clark responded with four runs of their own in the top of the fourth and anothe five runs in the top of the sixth to take a 9-2 lead.

There ended up being eleven runs scored in the sixth as the Bearcats responded with six runs of their own in the bottom of the inning.  After a Faith Collar single and walk to Jenna Hopkins, Jordan Cresswell singled to score the first run.  After the Pios got the second out, consecutive singles by Pinheiro and Rogers scored two more runs and a double by Elliott plated two more.  When the dust settled, Willamette had cut the lead to 9-8 heading to the final inning.

Lewis & Clark were able to score three more in the seventh to make the final score 12-8 in favor of the visitors.  Elliott had three hits to lead the Bearcats, while Rogers, Hatfield, and Hopkins all added two hits each.

Willamette was able to get a lead in game two as well, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first after the Pios scored one in the top half of the inning.  Lewis & Clark tied the game in the top of the third, but the Bearcats pulled ahead again in the fourth when a single by Alexandra Richards scored Mia Lund.  The Bearcats threatened to score more in that inning and again in the fifth but were unable to add to their lead.

Lewis & Clark pulled ahead with two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh on their way to the 5-3 win and a series sweep.  Pinheiro was 4-for-4 at the plate to lead Willamette, while Lund added two hits.  Kenna Davis pitched the entire game for the Bearcats, striking out three and giving up five earned runs.

The Bearcats continue conference play when they travel to Whitworth University for games on Saturday, March 15th, and Sunday, March 16th.