TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University softball team delivered a statement sweep Sunday, taking down No. 3-ranked Linfield University twice to solidify its position atop the Northwest Conference standings winning game one 6-4 and game two 7-3.
The Lutes improved to 28-8 overall and 20-4 in NWC play, earning one of the program's most significant doubleheader sweeps against a Wildcats squad that entered the day ranked No. 3 in the nation.
In the opener, Pacific Lutheran used timely hitting and consistent offensive pressure to secure a 6-4 victory. The Lutes finished with 10 hits, generating offense throughout the lineup and capitalizing in key moments to build an early lead.
Multiple Lutes contributed at the plate, with several players recording hits and RBIs as part of a balanced offensive attack. Paola Garcia led the way for PLU going 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs and five RBI. This is Garcia's fourth time this year with multiple home runs in a single game. Bri Sarae and Kamalani Doctor also shined with multiple hit outputs. Pacific Lutheran's ability to string together quality at-bats and stay patient in the count warded off Linfield's late push.
Paige Wilson earned the win, improving to 16-1 on the season. The right-hander threw a complete game, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out four batters while keeping one of the nation's most potent lineups in check.
In Game 2, the Lutes completed the sweep with a 7-3 victory, again pairing strong pitching with timely offense.
Maiya Anderson earned the complete-game win, improving to 8-3 on the year. She limited Linfield to three runs on six hits over seven innings, consistently working out of pressure situations.
Offensively, Pacific Lutheran totaled seven hits, with the top of the lineup setting the tone and the middle of the order driving in runs. Doctor, Sarae and Aby Redwine kept the bats hot with multiple RBI performances each. The Lutes' top hitters combined for multiple hits, extra-base production and key RBIs, helping build and maintain separation throughout the game.
Pacific Lutheran applied pressure early and added insurance late, preventing Linfield from mounting a sustained comeback.
The sweep marks a defining moment in the Lutes' season, showcasing their ability to not only compete with but defeat one of the top teams in the country.
With momentum firmly on their side, Pacific Lutheran will look to carry this performance forward towards next week as they travel to Whitworth University for their last four game series before the NWC tournament the falling week.
