CANBY, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran University lineup continued to smash the softball on Saturday, combining to score 20 runs across two games against Willamette University in a battle of conference unbeatens. The Lutes dominated Game 1, earning a 14-1 victory in just five innings, but a seven-run fifth inning in Game 2 led to their demise in a 9-6 defeat.
 
"I love how we adapted to all the stuff that was thrown at us today," said PLU Head Coach Traci Barrett. "We played 10 innings with our intent and preparation and two without. The two without is all it took to split. We gave too much away for free. The game always shows where you're ready and where you're weak. It found those holes in Game 2. Game 1 was so fun to watch because the moments were all simple and get on, get over, get across! Casey's three-run homer was impressive and Cass pitched a great five-inning game. Rylie Wada and Anna Foster had some clutch moments in Game 2 and Kila's three-run homer gave us a good start with a five-run first inning. I know we will be ready to make adjustments tomorrow."

Game 1
In just five trips to the plate, the Lute attack scored a season-high 14 runs on 13 hits to extend their winning streak to seven games. Mari Foster, Erin McGrath, Paola Garcia, and Rylie Wada all had a pair of hits. Foster had four RBI, while Wright added three on a three-run home run in the second inning. Chaella Galapon also drove in three, while Cailey Collado scored three times. The Lutes were also terrors on the basepaths, stealing seven bases, including two by Collado.
 
Cassidy Conrad (6-1) continued her strong campaign, needing just 57 pitches to earn the five-inning victory. She struck out five and allowed just one run on three hits.
 
Game 2
The Lutes looked like they were headed for another romp in the second game as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning on a three-run homer by Kennedy Kila and a two-run single by Wada.
 
The Bearcats scored the next nine runs in the game, though, including seven in the fifth inning. The visitors tried to mount a comeback in the seventh as Anna Foster doubled to start the inning, but PLU was only able to manage one run after back-to-back groundouts.
 
Kila tossed the first 4.1 innings, but allowed five runs on six hits and a pair of walks. Sophomore Amaya Smith (2-1) was saddled with the loss after she gave up three runs while recording just two outs. Conrad was forced to come in and toss the sixth as the Lutes tried to keep the Bearcats within striking distance, but she allowed a run as well.
 
The Lutes (13-5, 5-1 NWC) will look to get back to their winning ways tomorrow when they take on the Bearcats (10-6, 5-1 NWC) two more times beginning at 11:00 a.m.