TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University softball team completed a dominant Northwest Conference series sweep of Willamette University on Sunday, earning 9-1 and 11-3 victories behind strong pitching and timely offense.

With the sweep, Pacific Lutheran improved to 25-7 overall and 17-3 in Northwest Conference play, strengthening its hold atop the conference standings.

In Game 1, the Lutes broke open a tight contest with a seven-run fifth inning to secure the run-rule victory. Paola Garcia ended the game with a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth.

Pacific Lutheran finished with nine hits and took advantage of two Willamette errors while limiting the Bearcats to just four hits.

Paige Wilson earned the win in the circle, improving to 14-1 on the season. Wilson delivered a steady outing, allowing just one run while keeping the Bearcats' offense in check as the Lutes controlled the game from start to finish.

At the plate, Pacific Lutheran received contributions throughout the lineup. Garcia and Kamalani Doctor helped spark the offense at the top of the order, while Alexa Saladin and Zoe Smithson drove in runs in the middle of the lineup. Garcia and Smithson each finished with three hits, with Garcia tallying four RBI and Smithson adding two.

The Lutes stayed hot offensively in Game 2, pounding out 13 hits in the 11-3 victory. Pacific Lutheran jumped ahead early and continued to apply pressure throughout the game, extending its lead with multiple-run innings.

Several Lutes delivered standout performances across the doubleheader, highlighted by strong outings from Saladin and Megan Landes, who combined for five hits and seven RBIs.

Maiya Anderson earned the Game 2 win, pitching four innings while allowing two runs and retiring 12 of the 20 batters she faced. Rachel Treves closed out the game with one inning of relief.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action Saturday against Linfield on Senior Night. First pitch is scheduled for noon.