TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team handed Whitworth University its first blemish of the Northwest Conference slate on Saturday but was unable to replicate the feat in game two of the doubleheader, settling for a split a PLU Field. Anchored by a strong pitching performance from Kennedy Robillard the Lutes prevailed 3-1 in the opener before coming up short 7-2 in the nightcap.

The visiting Pirates (18-5, 12-1 NWC) drew first blood in the opener, scoring on a wild pitch in the top of the first in what proved to be their only run of the game. The Lutes (14-13, 5-9 NWC) responded in the bottom of the first with Becca Sorensen scoring on a error to keep the inning alive before an Anna Overland single up the middle plated Kathryn Hatlen for the 2-1 lead. It remained a tenuous one run lead until a Hatlen single in the fifth scored Sorensen to make it a two-run cushion. 

Whitworth threatened in the seventh with runners on first and second but a fly out and a ground out preserved the win for the Lutes. Sorensen finished two-for-three at the plate, scoring two runs while Hatlen was two-for-two with a run scored and an RBI.

Robillard was dialed in inside the circle, allowing five hits and striking out four to earn the complete game win.

"Kennedy did a great job commanding the zone today and taking the game one pitch at a time. She's a gamer," said Head Coach Traci Barrett. "The defense behind her was great about minimizing setbacks and playing good catch. It was a big win for her and the team."

Game two was a pitching duel that was scoreless through the opening three innings. The Pirates pushed across two runs in the fourth inning before piling on five in the seventh to pull away. Hatlen got the Lutes on the board in the seventh, blasting a two-run home run but it was too little too late as Whitworth held on for the win.

"Kathryn put in a lot of work on her plate approach this week and I;m happy it paid off today. Becca also had good patience and didn't allow anything to carry into her next at bat."

Z Ellis allowed just two runs in the opening six innings but was tagged with the decision, striking out one on the day.

"Z started strong and will come back stronger tomorrow. We will come back tomorrow and continue to work on our process at the plate."

The Lutes and Pirates finish off the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.