TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team remains in Washington this weekend, facing Northwest Conference rival Willamette University in a four-game series.
Inclement weather has shifted Saturday's doubleheader to Auburn Mountainview High School in Auburn, Washington while Sunday is slated to remain at PLU Field in Tacoma.
Last weekend the Lutes (14-15, 5-11 NWC) battled Whitworth University at home, dropping three in the four-game series. The Lutes came out strong in the first game winning 3-1, sending the Pirates their first loss of the NWC slate before falling in the remainder of the weekend games by scores of 7-2, 8-0, and 6-5.
"The series last week taught us the importance of playing for each other and not just for ourselves," said first year
Chaella Galapon. "We plan to come back with more energy and just have more fun on field, which will hopefully lead to more success in the outcomes."
Galapon is enjoying her first year as a Lute on the softball team, taking advantage of her opportunities to fight for a starting spot on the team.
"I love this team because I can go to my teammates for anything, whether I need help in a class or if I want to get extra reps in, I know that they'll be there for me. We have lots of fun together on and off the field, which I am very thankful for."
As a first-year, Galapon is learning the best ways to manage her time with the large time commitments associated with collegiate sports and academics.
"College is a lot more intense than high school in both athletics and academics, but the transition was a lot easier with the help of the upperclassmen on the team. A lot of them gave me great tips on how to manage my time between school and softball, which has helped a lot this year."
In terms of academics, Galapon is a nursing major, with no concrete post-grad plans at the moment.
"I find the medical field very interesting and I love learning about the human body. I also enjoy helping others, so nursing is a great fit for me."
Outside of softball and academics, Galapon has many hobbies that she enjoys participating in.
"I enjoy other sports like golf, although I have to wait until we're out of season, so I don't mess up my softball swing!"
As the season continues, Galapon is looking forward to developing individually and as a team to compete at their potential.
"After every game we learn about things we need to fix and at this point of the season we've learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I'm excited to see how we piece everything together to finish the season strong."
Galapon and the team look to bounce back next weekend as they take on Willamette University in a four-game series on Saturday and Sunday.
April 6: PLU vs. Willamette (DH) at Auburn, Washington (12 p.m.)
April 7: PLU vs. Willamette (DH) in Tacoma, Washington (12 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Bearcats have met 122 times since 1981 with PLU enjoying a commanding 91-31 advantage in the all-time series. Last season, the series was split 2-2 in Salem, Oregon.
About the Bearcats: Willamette (3-24, 2-14 NWC) heads north to Tacoma looking to shake a six-game slide.
The Bearcats topped Occidental 9-6 in the back end of a doubleheader on Feb. 24 but have come up short since, falling twice to Redlands two days later before getting outscored 38-4 by Linfield last weekend in Salem.
Jocelyn Glasgo leads the Bearcats with a .321 batting average and five doubles while Vanessa Almaraz has driven in a team-high 15 RBIs. Bailey Hillmick provides the power with four of the team's 11 home runs this spring.
Glasgo also serves as the workhorse inside the circle, pitching a team-high 52 innings with 25 strikeouts with three complete games.
