Lewis & Clark Wins Doubleheader against Willamette in Softball, 2-0 and 9-1

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Kalin Rooney and Jill Pinder combined to shutout Willamette University in the first game, and Sarah Reyes held the Bearcats to one run on three hits in the second game, as Lewis & Clark College swept a Northwest Conference doubleheader on Sunday, April 3, winning 2-0 and 9-1 on the run rule in five innings. The Pioneers improved to 14-17 on the season, including 8-11 in the NWC. Willamette slipped to 13-10 overall, 9-9 in the NWC.

Steffany Dunn (Jr., SS, Colfax, CA/Colfax HS) of Willamette went 3 for 3 in the first game. Emily Drevdahl from L&C was 2 for 2 with two runs and three RBIs in the second game.

Pioneers Triumph in Pitching Battle in Game 1

Both teams benefited from strong pitching in the first game. Jade Smith (Jr., RHP, Chico, CA/Chico HS) of Willamette allowed just four hits and two runs -- one earned -- while pitching a complete game. Kalin Rooney of Lewis & Clark gave up only four hits in 4 1/3 innings, while reliever Jill Pinder allowed one hit in 2 2/3 innings.

Rooney and Pinder combined for the shutout. Rooney moved to 5-3, and Pinder earned her second save. Smith fell to 5-7.

The Pioneers broke a scoreless tie with a run in the fourth inning. L&C tacked on another run in the fifth inning.

In the fourth, Drevdahl hit a leadoff double down the left field line. Jenai Rojo advanced Drevdahl to third with a sacrifice bunt. Hannah Dal Pra sent an RBI single through the left side. Koran reached first on an error, and Holly Hale pinch-ran for Dal Pra. Tiana Rosario singled, but Ashley Pender (Sr., 2B, Reno, NV/North Valleys HS) threw Hale out at the plate. A line drive to Smith ended the inning.

With two outs in the fifth, Zoe Juarez was hit by a pitch, and then stole second base. Drevdahl went to first on a throwing error by Pender and advanced to second on the play, as Juarez crossed the plate.

Willamette recorded three hits in the fifth, but left the bases loaded. Mallory Asaro (Jr., SS, Rocklin, CA/Rocklin HS) started the frame with a single up the middle. Elaine Norcia (So., 1B, Santa Ynez, CA/Santa Ynez Valley HS) moved her to second with a sacrifice bunt. Dunn singled and went to second on the throw, as Asaro reached third.

After Pinder recorded a strikeout for the second out, Pender was intentionally walked. Kathryn Moore (So., 3B, Reno, NV/Robert McQueen HS) flied out to second for the third out.

Willamette got the tying run to the plate in the sixth and seventh innings, but was unable to score.

Nine players -- four from Lewis & Clark and five from Willamette, each earned one hit during the game. Drevdahl's double in the fourth inning was the only extra-base hit.

Big First Inning Helps Lewis & Clark in Game 2

Lewis & Clark produced five runs on four hits and two errors in the first inning of the second game to take a big lead. After Paige Salavea singled and Juarez reached first and second on a throwing error, Drevdahl brought home the first two runs with a single through the right side. Later, Koran provided a sacrifice fly and Rosario hit a two-run double.

The Pioneers scored twice in the fourth inning for a 7-0 lead. Lindsay Yearman began the inning with a double to left center. Two outs later, with Yearman at third, Drevdahl connected for an RBI double to center. Drevdahl crossed the plate on a single by Rojo.

Willamette plated a run in the bottom of the fourth. Pender hit a leadoff single through the left side. Alex Shields (Jr., C, Lake Forest, CA/El Toro HS) went to first on a fielder's choice, while Pender reached second. The throw was wide of second and went into the outfield off the shortstop's glove. Pender advanced to third.

Shields stole second, and went to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Pender scored on the play. Shields attempted to score when the throw from center went off the third baseman and into left field, but she was thrown out at the plate.

L&C added two runs in the top of the fifth and kept Willamette from scoring in the bottom of the inning, as the Pioneers claimed the run-rule win. Sarah Reyes pitched all five innings for L&C and improved to 2-2 after limiting the Bearcats to three hits. WU starter Reanna Lancaster fell to 6-2.

In addition to Drevdahl's 2-for-2 performance, the Pioneers received two hits apiece from Salavea, Rojo, Rosario and Yearman. Moore, Pender and Victoria Bradshaw (Sr., OF, Discovery Bay, CA/Liberty HS) each hit a single for Willamette.

Up Next for Willamette

The Bearcats will make up a doubleheader from earlier in the season on Wednesday, April 6, when they travel to McMinnville, Oregon, to take on Linfield College. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. (PDT). The teams split a doubleheader on March 5, before two games were rained out the following day.