MCMINNVILLE, Ore. - The Pacific Lutheran University softball team extended its stay at the 2023 Northwest Conference Tournament on Saturday by blanking Whitworth University 4-0 to start the day but wasn't so lucky in the nightcap, falling 8-3 to nationally-ranked Linfield University.
The second-seeded Lutes (27-16) piled on three runs in the third inning against third-seeded Whitworth (23-19) en route to the 4-0 victory. An
Erin McGrath single scored
Mari Foster for the game's opening run before a
Rylie Wada single plated
Mattie Cheever. A
Casey Wright RBI groundout brought in McGrath for the inning's third run.
PLU added one more in the sixth with a
Mari Foster triple to right center field scoring
Syan Yamamoto.
Wada led the Lutes at the plate, going two-for-three with an RBI while Foster and McGrath both had a hit, a walk, an RBI, and scored a run.
Cassidy Conrad went the distance inside the circle, striking out one and scattering six hits to earn the shutout.
Against top-seeded Linfield (39-5), the host Wildcats struck first, pushing across a run in the bottom of the first inning. PLU took the lead in the third inning on a
Kennedy Kila two-run home run, scoring
Paola Garcia, but Linfield again answered the call, plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the third.
A Garcia single in the fifth inning scored
Mari Foster to tie the game at 3-3 but Linfield drove in a trio of runs in the bottom of the frame to retake the lead. A double pushed the Cats ahead 4-3 before tacking on two more on a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.
Host Linfield added two insurance runs in the sixth to secure the 8-3 victory and advance to the NWC Championship game where they will face third-seeded George Fox University tomorrow at noon.
"Tough way to end the season but a testament to Cass Conrad's leadership and desire to put the team on her back and finish strong! Great team win in game 1 and an excellent outing by Cass. Erin, Mari, Casey all coming through with clutch RBI moments to give Cass enough offense to take the win!" said Head Coach
Traci Barrett.
"We came out strong in game 2, but just didn't have the clutch moments when we had runners on early. I was so proud if the team's fight and how much they truly care about one another and want to win!Â
We had dialed up teamwork and true desire from our dugout. Unfortunately, a few bright moments and performances weren't enough to get the job done.
Paola Garcia showed the way at the plate, Mari barreled up balls, and Kila's great at bat ending in a 2 run shot got us going.
Zoe Smithson was a tough out as the DP all day with discipline beyond her years."
Garcia finished two-for-three at the plate with an RBI while KIla was one-for-two with two RBIs courtesy of her 14th home run of the season.
Conrad tossed her third complete game of the tournament, striking out two. All told, the senior pitched 20 innings over the past two days.
"It was a tough ending for nine amazing seniors that have been the foundation of rebuilding Luteball for those ahead of them. Mari, Erin, Cho, Cass, Marley, Foss, Turbie, Cal and Mik this team will miss you. Your impact will live on in Luteball for years to come."
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