TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University softball team split a Northwest Conference doubleheader with No. 3 Linfield University Wildcats on Saturday, riding a dominant pitching performance in the opener from Paige Wilson before falling in a high-scoring game two.
The Lutes (26-8, 18-4 NWC) opened the day with a 1-0 victory before dropping Game 2, 15-13 to the Wildcats. PLU sits tied at the top spot of the NWC standings with Linfield.
In Game 1, Paige Wilson was masterful in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout to earn the win and improve to 15-1 on the season. Wilson limited a potent Linfield lineup to five hits while striking out 13, tying her career-high, and walking just one.
Pacific Lutheran provided just enough offense behind Wilson, scratching across the game's only run while collecting two hits and working five walks. The Lutes capitalized on timely execution and leaned on their ace to secure the shutout over a Wildcats team that entered with a 29-3 record.
In Game 2, the Lutes' offense erupted but couldn't keep pace in a 15-13 setback. Pacific Lutheran pounded out 15 hits and saw multiple standout performances at the plate.
Zoe Smithson and Addy Meyeres led the way offensively for PLU each with three-hit games and brought home two RBI a piece. Paola Garcia, Kamalani Doctor and Bri Sarae all delivered and brought home two RBI for the Lutes.
Despite the offensive surge, a pivotal 11-run third inning by Linfield proved to be the difference. The Wildcats finished with 15 runs on 11 hits, despite the prior errors to begin the game that led to an early 8-1 lead for PLU.
Maiya Anderson took the loss in the circle for the Lutes falling to 7-3 on the year. Pacific Lutheran showed resilience throughout game two, continuing to answer offensively and keeping pressure on the Wildcats into the late innings.
The Lutes will be back in action on Sunday, April 19 for senior day as they take on the Linfield Wildcats for day two of the series. Opening pitch is set for 11 a.m.
