TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team heads back on the road this weekend to battle Northwest Conference rival Pacific University in a four-game series in Forest Grove, Oregon.
 
Last weekend the Lutes (11-8, 3-5 NWC) played their first conference games at home on the season, falling to 13th- ranked Linfield College in a four-game series. The Lutes came out strong in the first game, getting edged 7-6 before falling in the remainder of the weekend by scores of 14-3, 7-3, and 11-2.
 
Linfield has a very successful softball program and left the Lutes with some key takeaways from their first homestand.
 
"This weekend we learned a lot about ourselves as a team and as individuals," said first-year Erin McGrath. "Most importantly we learned that we have to come into a series and set the bar ourselves rather than letting it be set for us. We're eager to get back on the field and play our Luteball!"
 
McGrath is finishing up her first year as a Lute and relishing the opportunity to play softball while earning an education.
 
"The transition from high school to college has been exactly what every freshman thinks it'll be. I have been lucky enough to have a team that took me in and helped me with anything and everything I needed, to make it a little bit easier."
 
"My major is business and I plan to attend grad school after I graduate. My interest in business came from wanting my own a bakery in the future, because when I was little, I loved the smile my chocolate chip cookies would put on people's faces."
 
Although McGrath is very busy with academics and athletics, she tries to find the time to enjoy other hobbies outside of her responsibilities.
 
"My hobbies are hiking and taking pictures along with traveling and baking. I also work at the Lute Locker which is a fun job to have!"
 
As the season continues, McGrath is really enjoying being a part of such an inclusive team and community.
 
"My favorite part about being on the team is the friends I've made and the ability to compete with teammates and coaches that are always pushing me to get better every day. I'm looking forward to growing with the team and on my own, while also making some great memories along the way."
 
McGrath and the team look to bounce this weekend as they take on Pacific University in a four-game series down in Oregon. 
 
Mar. 16: PLU vs. Pacfiic (DH) in Forest Grove, Oregon (12 p.m.)
Mar. 17: PLU vs. Pacific (DH) in Forest Grove, Oregon (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes hold a 77-61 lead in the all-time series since the 1981 season. Last year, PLU won the opening game of the series 2-1 in Tacoma but the Boxers won the final three of the series by scores of 10-9, 5-4, and 15-3. 
 
About the Boxers: 25th-ranked Pacific (14-5, 8-0 NWC) is riding an eight game win streak to make its first appearance in the NFCA Top 25 poll of the season. The Boxers fell 5-4 to Division II Hawaii Pacific University on Feb. 17 but has been perfect since, enjoying a four-game sweep of both Willamette University and the University of Puget Sound. 
 
Hailey Miller leads the team with a .450 batting average while Montana Vaught is hitting at a .415 clip with a team-best 23 RBIs and 14 extra base hits. Morgan Masters has been the workhorse inside the circle, pitching 46 1/3 innings with 35 strikeouts and a 1.36 earned run average.