TYLER, Texas – Pacific Lutheran softball dropped both games in Sunday's doubleheader against the ninth-ranked University of Texas-Tyler Patriots. Early runs in game 1 gave Texas-Tyler the advantage as it took the victory 5-0. In game two, PLU allowed two runs in the first inning and six insurance runs in the sixth to take the 5-0 loss.

The Patriots combined for 25 hits in comparison to PLU's six. The Lutes fell to 5-13 overall while Texas-Tyler advanced to 23-2.

The Lutes were shutout by the Patriots in game one, combining for only four hits against starting pitcher Kelsie Batten. The Patriots put their five runs on the board in the second and third inning off seven hits including two home runs by Melissa Hinojosa and Jackie Mendez. Kelsey Robinson and Kelli Crawford pitched relief for starter Leah Butters, shutting down the Patriots offense for the remainder of the game. Butters took the loss.

UT-Tyler struck early in the second game, drawing two runs in the first inning. The Patriots loaded the bases in the third, but two defensive plays at the plate allowed the Lutes to prevent any further damage. However, a rocky sixth inning for PLU would allow UT-Tyler to score six insurance runs on eight hits and an error. Stellar pitching by the Patriots Alaina Kissinger kept the Lutes offense quiet, allowing only two hits, both doubles off the bats of Katie Lowery and Jessica Wallace.

Pacific Lutheran will continue its Texas road trip on Monday, facing East Texas Baptist in a doubleheader. Game one is set for 2:00 p.m. central time.