MCMINNVILLE, Ore.— The Pacific Lutheran University softball team was unable to capitalize on its opportunities on Sunday, dropping both ends of a doubleheader to third-ranked Linfield University. The Lutes held an early lead in the opener before stumbling 10-1 while a late rally fell short in a 5-2 setback in the second game of the Northwest Conference series. 

"This team works very hard but there is so much room for growth. We have a lot to clean up and adjustments to make. What we're happiest about is the fact that there is so much more softball to play and how we finish will be a testament to the mentality we commit to each and everyday," said Head Coach Traci Barrett.

"Linfield is a strong team. When you give away as many free bases as we did this weekend it's hard to know how competitive we are. Lots of learning and growth ahead."
 
The Lutes (5-11, 0-4 NWC) stuck first in the opener, scoring in the top of the first inning but was unable to generate any more offense as the powerhouse Wildcats (14-0, 8-0 NWC) roared back to secure the win.
 
Molly House put the Lutes on the board with one out in the first inning, blasting a home run over the left center field fence for the senior's first round tripper of the season.
 
Linfield answered in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run before adding a solo home run in the fifth to make it 3-1. The Wildcats would pour on seven runs in the sixth inning for the final 10-1 margin. 
 
House was one-for-three at the plate with an RBI while Casey Wright got on base twice, once on a base hit and another on a walk.
 
Rachel Treves was tagged with the decision inside the circle, allowing five earned runs in five innings of work. Linfield's Tayah Kelley, the reigning National Pitcher of the Week, struck out eight for the complete game win.
 
Linfield jumped to an early lead in the nightcap, generating a run in the bottom of the first before adding three more in the third inning. The Wildcat advantage swelled to 5-0 in the fifth inning.
 
PLU began chipping away at the lead with one out in the seventh inning. An Emma Ware single got things started before a Leslie Main single scored pinch runner Jaycie Simpliciano and Brooke Tilson to make it a three-run game. With the tying run on deck, the Lutes ran out of chances with an infield pop out cutting the rally short and keeping nationally-ranked Linfield undefeated on the season.
 
Six Lutes finished with a base hit in the nightcap with Main going one-for-two with two RBIs.
 
Rachael Rhinehart went the distance inside the circle, striking out six and allowing just one walk.
 
After 16 straight games on the road that were stretched across four states and two time zones, the Lutes finally get to enjoy the comforts of home. PLU's home opener is set for Friday at 12 p.m. against NWC rival George Fox University.