TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University softball team split a Northwest Conference doubleheader with University of Puget Sound on Sunday in the regular-season finales for both teams. The Lutes won the opener 8-3 to earn the series victory before falling 3-2 in the nightcap.

Molly House earned the win in the circle in the opener, throwing 3 2/3 shutout innings in relief with one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts. She added a long solo home run at the plate.

Emma Ware was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, three RBIs and a home run, while Mari Foster was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Anna Foster was 3-for-4 with an RBI. House and Ware hit back-to-back jacks in the seventh.

Kennedy Robillard made the final start of her career in the circle, allowing three runs — two earned — in 3 1/3 innings pitched, earning a no decision.

In the second game, the Lutes lost on a walk-off single by Hana DeGuzman with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh.

The Lutes (15-21 overall, 12-16 NWC) struggled to solve UPS (10-22, 10-18) starter Savannah Smith, managing just one hit off of the sophomore.

Casey Wright had that hit, a long solo home run to center field in the top of the sixth inning breaking up Smith's no-hitter bid.

PLU's other run scored on a sacrifice fielder's choice by Kassidi Dean, scoring Cailey Collado.

Z Ellis took the loss, allowing one run on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Cassidy Conrad had a no decision, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks and no strikeouts in three innings.

The Lutes middle infielders played sparkling defense, as Collado and Robillard at shortstop and second base, respectively, made several fantastic grabs on pop ups and line drives.