TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team proved on Sunday afternoon that at times the sword is mightier than the pen, rallying from an early deficit to down host Whittier College 14-12. Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was washed out due to rain.

The host Poets (0-1) racked up five runs in the bottom of the first inning to seize an early lead. Chaella Galapon scored the Lutes' (6-3) first run in the second inning, coming home on an error but Whittier countered with three more in the bottom of the frame to seize an early 8-1 lead.

A Galapon double brought home Becca Sorensen in the third before Kennedy Robillard drove in two on a single to right center field. closing the gap to 8-4. Marley Dyer hit a solo home run in the fourth only to see the Poets blast a solo home run of their own in the bottom of the inning.

The Lutes offense came alive in the fifth inning, piling on seven runs to seize a 12-9 lead. Samantha Simundson got things rolling with a two-RBI double before Kathryn Hatlen pushed across two on a single through the right side to tie the game. Anna Overland plated Bailey Plumb to give the Lutes' their first lead of the day before Galapon drove in two more to build a 12-9 advantage.

Whittier added a run in the sixth before PLU added two unearned runs in the seventh inning. Anna Overland scored on a Poet error while Corina Jones singled in Robillard. The Poets pushed across two in the bottom of the seventh but a double play ended their rally early to give the Lutes the 14-12 win.

Nine Lutes finished with a base hit with Galapon leading the way with a three-for-four effort, driving in three runs and scoring three more. Robillard had two hits, drove in three runs, and scored two more, while Plumb and Overland both finished with two hits.

Hatlen earned the win inside the circle, coming in as a reliever in the second inning and pitching five innings to collect the decision. Z Ellis tallied the save, facing one batter and inducing the game-ending double play.

"Today was another great team win," said Head Coach Traci Barrett. "I love the fight in our team. We started slow in the beginning down 8-1 but you would have never known it watching the game because we stayed present in every moment and at the plate. Big moments at the plate by several players, including Marley with a pinch hit home run. Kathryn comes in ready to throw and quieted their offense for many innings and we had great leadership throughout the dugout."

The Lutes are back on the diamond on Saturday, facing Division II Central Washington University in an exhibition doubleheader in Ellensburg.