NEWBERG, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University softball team exploded for 13 runs over the first two innings of both games, setting the tone in a doubleheader sweep of host George Fox University. The Lutes cruised to a 9-2 victory in the opener before taking down the Northwest Conference rivals 7-3 in game two. 
 
"It was a great team effort today with two wins and a lof of hits," said Head Coach Traci Barrett.
 
"Both Rachael Rhinehart and Rachel Treves went the distance in each start and commanded the strike zone really well. Zoe Smithson continues to be a tough out and we're thrilled with how many hard hit balls we put in play."
 
PLU wasted little time asserting its dominance, scoring seven runs in the top of the first. An error and two singles loaded the bases for the visiting Lutes before Brookelyn Gutierrez's patience at the plate paid off, drawing an RBI walk. A Bri Sarae outfield single scored Zoe Smithson before a Brooke Tilson sacrifice fly made it 3-0, scoring Kamalani Doctor. Jaycie Simpliciano was walked to load the bases before a Syan Yamamoto grand slam made it a seven-run cushion for the Lutes. 
 
The host Bruins pushed across a run in the second inning but a Gutierrez single in the fourth scored Smithson to make it an 8-1 Lute edge. George Fox tallied another run in the fourth but a Smithson RBI single scored Simpliciano in the fifth to make it a 9-2 ballgame.

Smithson had three of PLU's eight hits in the opener, going three-for-three with a walk and two runs scored. Sarae had two hits while Yamamoto had four RBIs with the grand slam while also getting on base with a walk. 
 
Rhinehart struck out eight in the complete game effort, allowing two earned runs. 
 
Six hits and one error in the top of the first was more than enough for the Lutes to once again claim an early lead. Jaimee Cagle led off the game with a single, later scoring on Emelia Maza's two-RBI single to center field. A Megan Landes double plated two runs before getting RBI singles from both Tilson and Yamamoto. 
 
A Doctor triple in the second inning scored Smithson, giving PLU a 7-0 edge. George Fox answered with three runs in the third but it wasn't enough as the Lutes held on to earn the sweep.
 
Smithson finished three-for-four with two runs scored in the nightcap while Landes and Tilson both had a pair of hits.

Treves went the distance in game two, striking out five while allowing three earned runs.
"Fun to see Syan Yamamoto with a grand slam in game one. Love the way we started each game. There's always room to improve but it's a solid start for the weekend and we're excited for tomorrow."
 
The Lutes and Bruins close out the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.