TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team gears up for its final Northwest Conference series of the season, facing off against crosstown rival University of Puget Sound on Friday and Saturday. The Lutes host a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. on Friday with Puget Sound serving as hosts on Saturday with gametime set for 12 p.m.

With six graduating seniors, the Lutes (20-17, 11-13 NWC) are preparing to celebrate their senior student-athletes for all of the work they have put into the team during their time at PLU. Bailey Plumb, Anna Overland, Samantha Simundson, Becca Sorensen, Kathryn Hatlen, and Delaney Salter are all gearing up to play their final home games, and had a chance to reflect on their time as Lutes.

Bailey Plumb, a senior from Puyallup, Washington has appeared in around 30 games per season for the Lutes. Plumb boasts a .283 batting average this season, with 10 RBIs on 32 hits. Plumb made 35 game appearances in 2019 with a .372 slugging percentage.

"If I were to give someone advice, I know it sounds cliche, but don't take any moment for granted," said Plumb. "The exciting and fun moments are easily memorable but it is also important to find opportunities for growth from the more challenging times. When you get to the end of your four years you will wish you had just one more season. Make sure when you reflect on those years that you don't have regrets about not creating enough lifelong relationships with the people you spent it with. You can be an all-conference player but in the long run what matters is being an all-star teammate, student and citizen of the community."

The next senior for the Lutes, Anna Overland, hailed from Gig Harbor, Washington prior to becoming a Lute. In 37 appearances in the 2019 season, Overland has secured a .313 batting average, accruing 25 RBIs on 35 hits and two home runs. As a nursing major, Overland has had to juggle a lot of different responsibilities in her time at PLU, and credits her coaches for helping her navigate that process.

"During my college search in high school, PLU was on the top of my list because I would be able to play the sport I love while pursing a degree that will provide me with a job before I even graduate," said Overland. "Not many people can say they went to school for nursing while playing softball. I owe a lot of thanks to the coaching staff throughout my years at PLU for working around my clinical schedules and getting extra work in with me around my busy schedule."

Samantha Simundson, a senior from Federal Way, Washington has had three strong seasons with the Lutes. in 2019, Simundson boasts a .379 batting average and is the team leader in home runs, tallying eight on the season in addition to 36 RBIs on 39 hits.  

Becca Sorensen, a senior from Lakewood, Washington has had yet another strong impact on the PLU team. in 2019, Sorensen has a .325 batting average, racking up 37 hits and 15 RBIs. Sorensen is nine-for-nine in stolen bases, and has started all 37 games she appeared in in 2019. 

"It doesn't seem real to me," said Sorensen. "I feel like I still have more softball left to play! But I'm going into this weekend to just have fun with my teammates and coaches. I love this game and this team, so this weekend will be extra special."

Fellow senior Kathryn Hatlen has been a force to be reckoned with at PLU, with extraordinary numbers and performances all across the board. Hailing from Woodinville, Washington, Hatlen has a .496 batting average, getting 38 RBIs on 58 hits for the Lutes. Hatlen has a team-high .769 slugging percentage, as well as a team high .565 on base percentage. Hatlen also has a 4.62 ERA from the circle, racking up two wins.

The final senior for the Lutes is Delaney Salter from Spanaway, Washington. Salter played in three games for the Lutes in 2019, recording one run for the Lutes in that time. While Salter's time on the field was limited this season, she had the chance to focus on being the best teammate she could be.

"I have learned the importance of putting others before yourself to be the best teammate you can be.  I have learned the importance of never giving up on your goals or dreams," said Salter. "Push yourself and your teammates everyday to make a great individual commitment and be gritty.  Be the best teammate you can be everyday.  Challenge yourself to be the best competitor you can be on the field, in the classroom, and in life."

As the Lutes prepare for their competition this weekend, they are looking to make the most out of their final opportunities to play together at home.

"This year our goal has been to be present every single pitch. This weekend we plan to do the same thing but also be mindful of those who are in that dugout next to us and enjoy every single pitch, especially for us seniors," said Plumb.

April 19: PLU vs. Puget Sound (DH) at PLU Field (2 p.m.)
April 20: PLU vs. Puget Sound (DH) in Tacoma, Washington (12 p.m.)

Series History: The Lutes and Loggers have met 149 times since the 1981 season with PLU enjoying a commanding 115-33-1 advantage in the series. Last season the Lutes won three of the four meetings, winning 15-2, 16-1, and 9-4, before dropping the season finale 6-5.

About the Loggers: Puget Sound (4-31, 2-22 NWC) heads into Friday looking to snap a 10-game slide. The Loggers swept Lewis & Clark College 10-1 and 8-6 on March 30 but have since gone dry, dropping two against the Pios the following day along with four-game sets against both George Fox University and Willamette University.

Hana deGuzman leads the Loggers at the plate with a .322 batting average with 13 runs scored while Maddie Colombo is hitting at a .317 clip with a team-best 11 RBIs. Kelsie Sullivan is the workhorse inside the circle, with 42 strikeouts in 91 innings of work with a 6.54 earned run average.