Willamette Splits with Pacific

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (7-15, 4-6 NWC) split a doubleheader against Pacific University (Ore.) (9-11, 4-6 NWC) on Saturday at WU Softball Field, winning the first game 6–5 before falling in the second game 4–1.

In the first game, the Bearcats' offense was highlighted by a pivotal three-run fifth inning that turned the tide in their favor. Jenna Hopkins ignited the rally with a walk, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Emma Elliott that advanced her to second. Gretchen Clower's walk set the stage for Maris Pinheiro, who doubled to left center, bringing Hopkins home. Maggie Fleischmann then delivered a sacrifice fly, scoring Clower, and Mckenzee Petersen capped the inning with an RBI single to second, plating Pinheiro. Although Pacific (Ore.) mounted a late rally with three runs in the seventh, the Bearcats' pitching held firm to secure the win.

Pinheiro was a standout for the Bearcats, scoring three runs, collecting two hits, and driving in one run with a pair of doubles. Petersen drew two walks, including an intentional pass, and added an RBI with her single. Hopkins crossed the plate twice, contributed with a hit, and walked once. Elliott registered an RBI double as part of her single hit performance, also executing a sacrifice hit.

Maya Filger led the pitching efforts for Willamette, throwing 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and five earned runs while striking out four. Lizzie Brasher contributed briefly with a 1/3 inning appearance, allowing one hit but securing the win for the Bearcats. For Pacific (Ore.), Kiara Baba pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up four earned runs on four hits with two strikeouts, while Karlie Espinoza took the loss after pitching 1 1/3 innings, yielding three hits and one earned run with two walks.

In the second game, Willamette took an early lead in the second inning when Maya Filger singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clara Woolsey's single to right field brought Filger home for the Bearcats' lone run. However, Pacific (Ore.) broke a scoreless game with a decisive four-run sixth inning. A walk and a single set the stage for Ava Hlavacek, who delivered a critical double down the left-field line to drive in the first run. Caitlyn Gieser followed with a double to right center, adding two more RBIs, and a sacrifice fly by Jordan Ingram capped the scoring, giving Pacific (Ore.) a 4–1 advantage.

Despite the Bearcats recording seven hits, they left eight runners on base, limiting their scoring opportunities. Willamette's Jenna Hopkins contributed a double, finishing with a 1.000 OPS, while Filger and Woolsey also added hits, with Woolsey driving in the team's only run.

Maddy Tuning pitched 5 1/3 innings for Willamette, allowing four earned runs while striking out four batters. Lizzie Brasher provided 1 2/3 innings of relief, giving up one hit and one walk with one strikeout. For Pacific (Ore.), Alissa Hermansen delivered a complete game, yielding seven hits and one earned run while striking out one and walking none.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 7-15 overall and 4-6 in the NWC, while Pacific (Ore.) stands at 9-11 overall and 4-6 in the NWC.