FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Pacific Lutheran University softball closed its Northwest Conference series Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep of the Pacific University Boxers, besting them 7-2 and 5-3.

PLU entered the contest having won six of its last seven games. The Lutes now sit at 12-4 overall and 4-0 in NWC play. Pacific improves to 8-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play.

The Lutes struck first in the third inning, as Kaya Collado singled to left field to drive in Alexa Saladin and give PLU a 1-0 lead.

Ashlyn Sera opened the fifth inning with a single to center field and stole second on the next pitch. Jaycie Simpliciano followed with a single to center, driving in Sera to extend the lead to 2-0. Pacific answered in the bottom of the inning, scoring off an error to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Zoe Smithson added to the lead with a solo home run to deep right field, pushing the advantage back to two runs.

PLU broke the game open in the seventh inning, scoring four runs. Paola Garcia singled with two runners on to bring in one run and make it 4-1. Kamalani Doctor followed with an RBI single, and Lex Ahlo-Garcia capped the inning with a two-run single through the gap.

The Boxers attempted a comeback in the final inning, but PLU's defense held firm.

Rachel Treves earned the win in the circle, improving to 2-2 on the season. She pitched seven innings, allowing nine hits and recording multiple strikeouts.

Game two featured strong defense from both teams. Pacific struck first with a run in the fourth inning.

Collado sparked the PLU offense with a single to center field. Garcia and Doctor reached to load the bases for Smithson, whose sacrifice fly tied the game at 1-1. Ahlo-Garcia then doubled to left field, bringing in Garcia to give PLU a 2-1 lead. Emelia Maza added a sacrifice fly later in the inning, extending the lead to 3-1.

Collado continued her strong performance with another single. Garcia followed with a deep home run — her second of the season — driving in two runs and pushing the lead to 5-1.

Pacific mounted a late push, but Paige Wilson recorded the final two outs via strikeout to secure the win.

Wilson improved to 6-1 on the season, ranking fifth in the NWC. She pitched seven innings, allowing eight hits and striking out seven.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action Wednesday, March 25, against Lewis & Clark College. First pitch is scheduled for noon.