TACOMA, Wash. — Casey Wright blasted her fifth home run of the season but the Pacific Lutheran University softball squad was unable to keep pace with Lewis & Clark College on Saturday afternoon, dropping both ends of a Northwest Conference doubleheader. The host Pioneers took the opener 8-0 before escaping with a 3-2 extra innings victory in the nightcap.

"I liked the way we responded in game two," said Head Coach Traci Barrett.

"Rachel Treves threw a great game and put us in a position to win it. Our defense was strong, and once we put it together offensively, I think we'll be the very competitive team I know we are. Casey had a clutch hit for us in game two to keep us in it and I'm looking forward to turning the corner tomorrow."

Lewis & Clark (18-8, 12-2 NWC) methodically generated runs in the opener, scoring twice in the first inning, adding single runs in the second and third innings, and pushing across two more in the fourth to build a 6-0 advantage. PLU (10-16, 5-9 NWC) threatened in both the fifth and sixth innings, getting two on with no outs in the fifth thanks to consecutive singles from Brooke Tilson and Emma Ware. The Pioneers worked out of the jam, recording three straight outs to strand Tilson and Ware. 

In the sixth a Paola Garcia triple and a Molly House walk put runners on the corners but it again didn't turn into any runs as a flyout ended the inning. That turned out to be PLU's final chance at the plate as L&C added two runs in the bottom of the sixth to enact the mercy rule and secure the 8-0 win.

Wright had a hit and a walk, one of four Lutes to register a base hit. Rachael Rhinehart was the pitcher of record, pitching 2 1/3 innings while Molly House registered three strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings of action. 

The nightcap saw Lewis & Clark strike first, scoring two off a double in the bottom of the second inning. Syan Yamamoto drew a one-out walk in the top of the third and was able to touch home after Wright belted a two-run home run over the left center field fence. It was Wright's team tying fifth round tripper of the season, tying the game at 2-2.

It remained tied until extra innings were a base hit and a double were enough to give the host Pioneers the 3-2 victory in eight innings.

Wright finished with one hit and two RBIs while House and pinch hitter Leslie Main each collected a base knock.

Rachel Treves went the distance inside the circle, tossing seven innings and striking out two while allowing just two earned runs. 

The Lutes and Pios finish off the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.