SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (6-8, 3-1) secured two victories over the University of Puget Sound (3-11, 1-3) on Sunday in a doubleheader.

Game #1 — Willamette 7, Puget Sound 6

The Bearcats opened with a four-run burst over the first two innings, but the Loggers responded with six runs in the second inning to take the lead. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Willamette scored two runs to reclaim the lead and clinch the win.

Puget Sound's decisive six-run second inning proved to be a pivotal moment. A combination of a single, an error, and a wild pitch set the stage for Jazzy Allen's two-RBI single, which extended the lead to 6-1. This surge of offense was enough to keep the Bearcats at bay until the later innings.

Willamette fought back, with Maris Pinheiro's RBI double in the bottom of the second inning closing the gap. Mckenzee Petersen's timely hit in the first inning had initially put the Bearcats on top, and she contributed to the late rally in the seventh by leading off with a single and eventually scoring. Lauren Stube's RBI single in the eighth brought the team within striking distance, but the final chance slipped away as Willamette's rally fell just short, ending in a 6-6 draw.

Pinheiro made a significant impact by scoring two runs, driving in two more with a double, and stealing two bases. Stube contributed by collecting two hits and two RBIs. Petersen recorded two hits, including a double, and added an RBI while also scoring a run. Jenna Hopkins scored a run and stole two bases, adding to the team's offensive efforts.

Game #2 — Willamette 5, Puget Sound 3

The Bearcats' offense was bolstered by three doubles and a steady scoring effort across multiple innings. Puget Sound managed to tie the game briefly in the fifth inning with a two-run effort, but Willamette responded promptly, regaining the lead and maintaining it through the remainder of the contest.

Puget Sound narrowed the gap to 4-3 in the fifth inning after Brenna Flannery scored on a groundout, followed by an RBI single from Rylie Madariaga. Despite the pressure, the Bearcats' defense held strong, preventing further damage in the inning and maintaining the lead.

Willamette's decisive sequence came in the third inning, where key contributions from Pinheiro and Desirae Hatfield shifted the momentum. Pinheiro's leadoff single set the stage, and a sacrifice fly from Hatfield brought Pinheiro home. Maya Filger's RBI single extended the lead to 3-1, providing a cushion that proved crucial as the game progressed.

In the fifth, Willamette capitalized on free bases to add an insurance run. Hatfield's walk set the table, and Lizzie Brasher's RBI single scored Hatfield, maintaining a two-run margin. The defensive effort, highlighted by an unassisted double play in the first, shut down Puget Sound's late attempts to rally, securing the win.

Pinheiro recorded two hits, including a double, and scored two runs in the game. Maggie Fleischmann also contributed with two hits and two runs scored, while defensively adding three assists at third base. Petersen drove in one run with a double, showcasing her impact on the scoring. Hatfield tallied one hit, one RBI, and stole a base, along with three assists from the shortstop position. 

Bearcats softball competes next at McMinville, Oregon against Linfield University on March 14 at 12:00 pm in a doubleheader.