TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team returns home this week as they battle DePauw University in a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday before facing Northwest Conference rival Whitworth University in a four-game series over the weekend.
Two weekends ago the Lutes (12-11, 4-8 NWC) battled 25th-ranked Pacific University on the road down in Oregon, dropping three in the four-game series. The Lutes came out strong in the first game winning 12-8, before falling in the remainder of the weekend in tightly contested games by 6-4, 9-8, and 8-7 scores.
Pacific has a very successful softball program and left the Lutes with some key takeaways to think about for the upcoming homestand.
"In the future we plan to take these next games one pitch at a time and be aggressive early in the game," said first-year
Sydney Victor. "We plan to perform in games like we do at practice and hold each other accountable throughout every game."
Victor is enjoying her first year as a Lute on the softball team, relishing the opportunity to play collegiate sports.
"My favorite part about the team was meeting all the women and the team and building our softball community, while getting better every day at the sport that I love. I also love the coaching crew and how supportive they are on and off the field!"
As a first-year Victor is embracing the opportunity to play college softball as well as earning a well-rounded education at PLU.
"I have adjusted to this transition smoothly and stay on top of my assignments."
In terms of academics, Victor is a business administration major with a concentration in marketing.
"I'm looking at the marketing director at Gravity corporate or I have a family business that I can take over later in the future. When I was young I was filled with ideas and thoughts that I wanted to become an entrepreneur but I was exposed to new opportunities through people and working at Gravity that boost my passion towards marketing."
Although Victor is very busy with academics and athletics in her first year at college, she tries to find the time to enjoy other hobbies outside of her responsibilities.
"I love working at Gravity, going to church and bible studies, spending time with friends and family, snowboarding, and wake surfing or any water sports."
As the season continues, Victor is looking forward to developing and finishing out the season strong.
"I'm looking forward to improving individually and as a team throughout the season and hitting our peak to show the league our true talent."
March 26: PLU vs. DePauw (DH) at PLU Field (12 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Tiger have never met on the diamond.
About the Tigers: DePauw (6-2, 0-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) opened its eight game tour of the Pacific Northwest on Monday with a twinbill against Whitworth University. After today's game the Tigers will hit the road, trekking south to Oregon for doubleheaders against Linfield College and George Fox University.
DePauw heads to Washington riding a five game-win streak. The Tigers good fortunes started on March 13 with an 8-4 win over Franklin. The magic continued three days later, coming away from Saint Louis with victories over both Wartburg (7-5 and 9-2) and Washington University in St. Louis (5-1 and 5-4).
Jade Mejia Wick leads the Tigers at the plate, boasting a .571 batting average with five RBIs while Kate Geary is hitting at a .565 clip. Inside the circle, Cami Henry has seen the most action, pitching 26 2/3 innings with 38 strikeouts, three wins, and two saves.
March 30: PLU vs. Whitworth (DH) at PLU Field (12 p.m.)
March 31: PLU vs. Whitworth (DH) at PLU Field (12 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Pirates have met 87 times since the series began in 1998 with PLU enjoying a 54-33 edge in the all-time series.
About the Pirates: Whitworth (16-3, 11-0 NWC) is red-hot having won 15 consecutive games and sits atop the conference standings. The Pirates obliterated the University of Puget Sound two weekends ago, outscoring the hosts 39-3 over the four-game series.
Kinsey McNaught leads the Pirates at the plate, hitting .462 with 10 extra base hits and 25 runs scored while Rheanne Lewis has a team-high 23 RBIs. Inside the circle, Drea Schwaier-Wolf has pitched a team-high 56 2/3 innings with 40 strikeouts and a 1.61 earned run average.
