PARKLAND, Wash. – Nichole Schroeder blasted a 3-1 pitch over the left field fence lifting Pacific Lutheran to a 5-4 victory over Linfield in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Sophomore Marissa Miller went the distance in the circle for the Lutes allowing 10 hits through eight innings and striking out 10.

The Wildcats (16-10, 9-7) held a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning when the Lutes began their comeback. Becca Sorensen led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second base on Bailey Plumb's ground out. Emily McConnell then came through with a clutch two-out hit to plate Sorensen and bring the Lutes (18-10, 10-8) within one.

The double was part of McConnell's big day at the plate. The junior went 4-for-5 while driving in two runs in Game 1.

The score remained 4-3 until the sixth when Sorensen led off with a double and moved to third base on Thalen Masada's ground out to the pitcher. McConnell then singled up the middle to score Sorensen, pick up her second RBI and tie the game.  

"Becca and Emily had a great day at the plate," PLU head coach Lance Glasoe said.

The Wildcats threatened to re-claim the lead in the seventh inning by loading the bases with one out, but Miller got out of the jam with a pair of ground outs.

"Marissa battled and pitched well enough for us to win," Glasoe said.

With two outs in the eighth inning, Schroeder lined a low, inside pitch over the left field wall for her fifth home run of the season giving the Lutes a walk-off victory in Game 1.  

"We took advantage of some good pitches to hit in Game 1," Glasoe said. "Nichole got a good swing on that last pitch."

The Wildcats battled back in Game 2 claiming a 7-0 victory.

NOTABLE…

Emily McConnell stole second base in Game 1. She is now tied for second in the Northwest Conference with 13.

Nichole Schroeder and Kathryn Hatlen are tied for second in conference with five home runs each.

QUOTABLE…

"We look forward to Sunday where we have another opportunity to get better." – PLU head coach Lance Glasoe.

ON TAP FOR THE LUTES…

The Lutes and Wildcats play another doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for noon.