Bearcats Sweep Lewis & Clark, 8-0 and 11-3

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University swept a doubleheader from visiting Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, April 5, 8-0 on the run rule in six inning and 11-3 on the run rule in five innings. Willamette improved to 14-4 on the season, including 8-2 in the Northwest Conference.

Marissa Richards (Jr., 1B, Newberg, OR/Newberg HS) hit for the cycle in the first game, including a solo home run. She was 4 for 4 in the opener with four runs scored and finished the day 6 for 8 overall.

Nikki Franchi (Jr., RHP/DP, Los Gatos, CA/Saratoga HS) pitched all six innings for Willamette in the first game. She struck out 14 Pioneers, while allowing just three hits and two walks. Franchi upped her record to 8-2 on the season. She also went 4 for 5 on offense during the doubleheader.

In the second game, Amy Valencia (Fr., RHP, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS) threw the first three innings for the Bearcats and gave up only one run and two hits. Valencia improved to 4-1 on the season. Debra Bohren (So., LHP/RF, Tillamook, OR/Tillamooh HS) tossed the final two innings for Willamette.

Willamette achieved 12 hits in the first game, as eight different Bearcats contributed at the plate. Lewis & Clark also committed two errors, allowing Willamette to score three unearned runs.

During the second game, WU added 16 hits, with nine Bearcats registering at least one hit. Katie Peterson (So., RF, Independence, OR/Central HS) was 3 for 3 with three RBIs. LaShawna Holcomb (Jr., CF, Renton, WA/Hazen HS) went 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs. Franchi was 2 for 2 and scored three runs.

Willamette is slated to play two games at George Fox University on Sunday, April 5. The action will get underway at 12 p.m. (PDT) on the GFU campus in Newberg, Ore.