Tournament Home Page

TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University baseball team begins its post-season slate against top-seeded Whitworth University on Friday in the double-elimination Northwest Conference Tournament held in Spokane, Washington. 
 
Last weekend the Lutes (22-14, 14-10 NWC) punched their ticket to the conference tournament after taking two of three from Willamette University. The Lutes fell in the first game 5-3 causing some doubts about the possibility of making the tournament before winning both games in the doubleheader 11-6 and 6-1 to put those doubts to bed the following day.
 
"I think the main thing that helped us bounce back after losing game one is belief in ourselves, our coaches, and our preparation," said junior Austin Gormley. "Even with our backs against the wall, we knew that all the hard work that we have put into the season was for moments like this, which allowed us to play loose all day and eventually come out on top."
 
Gormley showcased his ability to come up big for the team, getting on base numerous times and getting a few clutch RBI's to help the team seal the wins. Having to comeback in the series has given the Lutes a major confidence boost and momentum heading into the tournament this weekend.
 
"As a team, we have seen what we are capable of doing in high pressure situations and we have learned not to treat any game differently. We made the conference tournament for a reason and we know that playing in big games brings out the best in all of us."
 
Gormley is entering the final stretch of his junior year, having had numerous positive memories and experiences over his three years.
 
"My favorite part about this team is the feeling that we are all one big family. Going to practice every day knowing that everybody on the field is playing for each other is not something that can be said about every team and that's what makes us special."
 
"My favorite memory of the season is game 3 of the Willamette series when Justin Armbruester came into the game with 2 outs in the 9th inning to get the final out and secure our spot in the NWC tournament because it's another example of a teammate stepping up and doing whatever it takes to help our team win."
 
Gormley is matching his efforts on the diamond with his efforts in the classroom, as a business major with a finance concentration.
 
"My uncle being a financial advisor is what first piqued my interest in the financial field. However, as I continued to learn about finance, I saw the stock market as a game where it is me competing against the stock market trying to maximize my profits, which was really intriguing to me."
 
Outside of the demands of athletics and academics, Gormley has many hobbies that he enjoys pursuing.
 
"My hobbies outside of school and baseball include working out, camping, and anything outdoors. All my life I have been someone who would rather be outside playing football or swimming than inside watching tv or playing video games."
 
Gormley and the Lutes are looking to make a run in the Northwest Conference Tournament this weekend, with the road beginning against Whitworth University on Friday at 12 p.m. The second game of the day will see second-seeded Pacific University facing third-seeded Whitman College. 
 
"Every year it's a fight to make the NWC tournament and to be able to represent our school is something special. It's what we have worked hard for all season long and giving ourselves a chance to accomplish our goal of winning the NWC tournament is an incredible feeling."
 
NWC Tournament Rewind: The Lutes have made the NWC Tournament every year of its existence, dating back to the inaugural tournament in 2015. PLU has hosted the tournament twice, both in 2015 and 2018 and won the tournament in 2016 which was the last time it was hosted by Whitworth. 

Lutes vs. the Field: The Lutes have a 4-5 record against the rest of the tournament field this season. PLU won two of three at home against Pacific but went 1-2 against Whitworth at home and Whitman on the road.
 
About the Pirates: Whitworth (22-12, 19-5 NWC) won the regular season title and hosting rights after winning eight of its last nine NWC games. The Pirates lone blemish was a 9-7 setback to Linfield in the regular season finale on April 20. 
 
Taylor Poffenroth leads the Whitworth offense with 29 RBIs and a .381 batting average while Tayler Bailey has driven in 27 runs with a .380 average, Nicholas Nerud boasts a team-best .387 batting average while scoring a team-high 36 runs.
 
Matthew Young has been the workhorse on the mound with 60 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings of action . Mathew Pulliam has seen extensive action out of the bullpen, racking up 23 strikeouts, two saves, and a 2.01 earned run average.