Big Sixth Inning Sends Concordia Past Bearcats, 9-4

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

HAPPY VALLEY, ORE. -- Concordia University (Ore.) produced eight runs on eight hits and one error in the bottom of the sixth inning, as the Cavaliers rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Willamette University, 9-4, at the Northwest Cup on Saturday, Feb. 15. Concordia moved to 1-1 on the season, while Willamette, playing it season opener, fell to 0-1.

Erin Norris (Jr., INF/DP, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) smacked a two-run homer in the top of the seventh, but the Bearcats were unable to complete a rally in the final inning. Norris, who went 2 for 3, also hit a two-run double in the first inning, as she drove in all of Willamette's runs.

Ashley Pender (2B, Reno, NV/North Valleys HS) of Willamette pounded out a single and double in four at bats. She scored two runs for the Bearcats.

Right fielder Meghan Luebbert and catcher Kate Santos each homered for Concordia. Luebbert was 2 for 4 four with two runs and three RBIs. Taylor Copher was 2 for 2 and Taylor Bussey was 2 for 3 during the game for the Cavaliers.

WU starting pitcher Victoria Bradshaw(So., Discovery Bay, CA/Liberty HS) went 4 1/3 innings and allowed just one run on two hits.

The Bearcats are scheduled to play Northwest Christian University (Ore.) at 1 p.m. at Hood View Park.

Willamette defeated Northwest Christian, 3-2, in a game ended with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning due to excessive rain. The Bearcats were the home team, so the score will stand as final. A complete report will be posted late tonight in a separate story. The stats are included in the links on the right side of this page.