BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team experience mixed results on Saturday afternoon to open the 2021 season, pounding Division II Western Washington University 7-1 in the opener before suffering an 8-0 setback in the nightcap. 
 
In the opener the host Vikings (3-1) drew first blood, utilizing an infield single to jump out to an early 1-0 lead. The Lutes (1-1) seized the lead in the third with Erin McGrath blasting a home run over the left center field wall, scoring Mattie Cheever to take the 2-1 lead.
 
N Kalama doubled to left field in the sixth to score Cailey Collado to push the PLU advantage to 3-1 before exploding for four runs in the seventh to seal the victory. A Mikayla Chun single scored Anna Foster to begin the seventh inning scoring binge before a Nanea Kalama double down the line brought in two more. Kayla Terlecki padded the Lute lead with a sacrifice fly later in the frame, giving the Lutes a comfortable 7-1 lead they would hold the rest of the game.
 
Foster finished three-for-three at the plate while Kalama was two-for-three with three RBIs. McGrath collected two hits in addition to driving in two runs. 
 
Kennedy Robillard picked up the victory inside the circle, scattering 11 hits and striking out one in the complete game effort. 

"Today was a good day for our players to finally face an opponent and see all our hard work come through in how we played," said Head Coach Traci Barrett.

"Game one had many great moments that the score doesn't reflect for sure. Kennedy's performance in the circle was 12 months of preparation and focus. The defense behind her was what we've worked hard to achieve. Kennedy didn't allow a walk or an extra base hit. We know what level of play we're capable of and we just showed ourselves in game one."
 
In the nightcap, Western generated one run in the first and three more in the third, and four in the fourth to collect the shutout victory.

"Game 2 was the reverse at the plate, and their pitcher was dominant. We're pleased with what today showed us and excited to do it all again tomorrow!
 
The Lutes are back on the diamond tomorrow, hosting George Fox University in a twinbill beginning at 12:30 p.m.