Written by Student Assistant Jake Bilyeu

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Pacific Lutheran University softball squad opened its 2018 season with two tough setbacks at California Lutheran University in a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The Lutes opened the day on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline before stumbling 6-1 in the nightcap.

"We had a tough day today, but the best part is we get to put our cleats on and do it again tomorrow," head coach Brandi Gordon Bennett said.

Kennedy Robillard and Corina Jones provided the bulk of the Lute offense in their first game, as both rattled off two hits. The Lutes (0-2) struggled to overcome Cal Lutheran's second inning, though, as a triple and a sacrifice fly scored the only two runs of the game for the host Regals (2-0).

The Lutes had runners in scoring position in the third, fifth, and seventh innings, but failed to capitalize each time. Other than the two earned runs allowed, Marissa Miller only surrendered two hits and three walks in the opener Saturday.

"We saw some great things at certain points of both games," Gordon Bennett said. "The pieces are there we just need to put it all together."

Corina Jones continued her strong play into the second game on Saturday. A single for Jones in the second inning, followed up by a stolen base, setup an RBI double from Anna Lennox. Cal Lutheran was quick to respond, though, scoring three runs in the next two innings to take the lead. Cal Lutheran would then seal the game with a three-RBI triple in the sixth.

Anna Overland finished two-for-two at the plate in the nightcap that saw CLU's Olivia Serrano collect the complete game win.

"I hope that the team comes out tomorrow with a renewed sense of confidence from getting their feet wet and shaking off the rust today," Gordon Bennett said. "We are a good team and each player individually needs to trust that they can do their part to help us turn the page to becoming great team."

The Lutes will return to the field Sunday at 10 a.m. for a doubleheader against the University of Redlands.