FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran University softball team made quick work of Pacific University in Game 1 of today's doubleheader, beating the Boxers 12-3 in five innings.  Pacific recovered though in the nightcap, rallying to beat the Lutes 8-7. 
 
"Today showed a lot of growth by our whole team," said PLU Head Coach Traci Barrett.  "We had some long ball moments that put in a position to win both games.  We failed to capitalize in some opportunities with runners in scoring position later in the game.  Ultimately, we lost the game in the seventh, but we can't let it get to that."
 
Game 1
The PLU lineup scored at least one run in every inning and put up a crooked number in all but the first en route to an easy 12-3 victory.  It was already 6-0 before the Boxers could answer against Lute starter Kennedy Robillard. 
 
Robillard helped herself at the plate in three straight innings. She plated two runs with a bunt single in third, had a RBI single in the fourth and knocked in another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to center field.  In the circle, she moved to 2-0 after allowing three runs on six hits in the complete game. 
 
"Kennedy's performance was dominant and she went the distance in the run-rule finish," said Barrett.  "Anna Foster had great plate performances and worked counts to reach base in every at-bat in Game 1."
 
Mari Foster, Cailey Collado, Nanea Kalama, Rylie Wada and Robillard all had two hits for the Lutes, who produced 13 in just five innings.  Wada and Foster had doubles and drove in a pair of runs each, while Robillard drove in four. 
 
Game 2
The Lutes wasted no time continuing the offensive attack in the second game of the day.  Mari Foster led off the game with a home run and after Cailey Collado walked, Erin McGrath blasted another ball over the fence to put PLU up 3-0. 
 
Pacific chased Lute starter Marley Dyer in the third inning after scoring three runs and added another to take a 4-3 lead in the fourth against reliever Z Ellis. 
 
McGrath put the Lutes back on top in the fifth when she drilled a three-run homer for her second long ball of the game and Shanelle Lum earned a pinch-hit, bases loaded walk to make it 7-4 in favor of the visitors. 
 
The Boxers simply would not go away though, tying the score in the bottom half of the inning with three runs and walking off with a victory in the bottom of the seventh. 
 
"I was happy with our defense and Rylie Wada and Cailey Collado took hits away throughout both games," said Barrett.  "We can work to support our pitchers even better tomorrow.  I feel good about the united intent of our team.  Everyone is ready at all times. 
 
The two teams will run it back tomorrow in Forest Grove.  First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.