MCMINNVILLE, Ore.— The Pacific Lutheran University softball team opened up Northwest Conference play on the road on Saturday against reigning league champion and third ranked Linfield University. The Lutes had a chance late in game two before surrendering six runs in the sixth inning, falling 9-1 and 9-3 to the nationally-ranked Wildcats.

"We are glad we get to come back tomorrow and play Luteball. We continue to out hit our opponent and end up with a loss because of small things. We've worked really hard this week on pitch selection and decision making and I'm pleased with how we were able to get on base with quality at bats," said Head Coach Traci Barrett.

"Tomorrow we have to clean up the defense immensely and limit freebies. Although the scores won't show it, we are coming together and ready to turn the corner. Rachael Rhinehart pitched had a winning outing we just gave too much away. So many positives at the plate."
 
Casey Wright was two-for-two at the plate in game one but the Lutes (5-9, 0-2 NWC) were unable to keep pace with the third-ranked Wildcats (12-0, 6-0 NWC) who scored four runs in the second and sixth innings en route to the 9-1 victory.
 
PLU's lone run came in the top of the fourth inning. Molly House led off the inning with a double to left center field before Arabella Perez, pinch running for House, advanced to third on a groundout. A Paola Gracia sacrifice fly would eventually bring Perez home.
 
Wright accounted for two of PLU's four hits in the opener against reigning national pitcher of the week Tayah Kelley.
 
Rachel Treves was saddled with the decision inside the circle, pitching five innings and allowing seven earned runs. 
 
Game two was tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning before the hosts exploded for six runs to secure the day one sweep.
 
Linfield scored the game's opening run on a wild pitch in the first inning before adding two more runs in the fourth to make it 3-0. 
 
PLU's offense came alive in the fifth with Brooke Tilson belting a leadoff double. Tilson would advance to third on a groundout before an Emma Ware single to right field scored Tilson. PLU would tie the game in the sixth with House setting the tone with a leadoff double. A Paola Garcia single scored pinch runner Syan Yamamoto before a Tilson sacrifice fly tied the game as Zoe Smithson touched home plate.
 
Linfield answered with a half dozen in the bottom of the frame, capitalizing on four walks and an error to take control. 
 
PLU outhit the hosts in the nightcap, cranking out eight hits with Garcia finishing two-for-three at the dish.
 
Rachael Rhinehart struck out two in 5 2/3 innings of action and was hit with the decision while Linfield's Kelley tossed the final two innings in relief to secure her second win of the day inside the circle. 
 
The Lutes and Wildcats close out the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.