Bearcats Share Doubleheader with Boxers
Elliot assists two runs and makes one of her own
FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Willamette University (8-16, 5-7) split a doubleheader with Pacific University (10-12, 5-7) in two tightly contested games on Sunday at Sherman/Larkins Stadium. In the first game, the Bearcats took an early lead with a run in the first inning and added four more in the fourth and fifth innings combined. However, Pacific rallied in the fourth with a five-run surge and clinched the victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh. The second game saw the Bearcats take the lead with a run in the third inning and added an insurance run in the seventh. Pacific attempted a comeback with a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh, but it was not enough to overcome the Bearcats' pitching, which allowed just three hits over the course of the game.
Game #1 — Pacific 6, Willamette 5
Willamette had initially gained momentum in the fourth inning with a pair of crucial hits. Emma Elliott doubled and scored on a Desirae Hatfield double, while Reese Wiseman followed with a single that drove in Hatfield. This sequence cut into Pacific's lead, which had been established during a five-run fourth inning rally. In the fifth, Elliott again delivered for the Bearcats, driving in two runs with a single to tie the game at 5–5 after Mia Atkins and Jade Kiyan advanced into scoring position on a passed ball. Despite these efforts, the Bearcats were unable to push across more runs and capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately falling short in the final innings when Pacific clinched the game in the bottom of the seventh. A crucial double by Chloe Knepp drove in the winning run. Libby Hardee had reached base with a single earlier in the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, setting up the decisive extra-base hit that gave Pacific the 6–5 lead.
Elliott led the team with two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Mckenzee Petersen added two hits and a double, also stealing a base to bolster the offensive effort. Maggie Fleischmann scored a run, secured a hit, and stole a base while reaching base twice on walks. Hatfield contributed with a double, scoring once and driving in one run. Lizzie Brasher pitched 2 2/3 innings for the Bearcats, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out one batter. Despite her efforts, she was charged with the loss in a close contest.
Game #2 — Willamette 2, Pacific 1
Early in the game, the Bearcats took a narrow lead in the third inning. Jordan Cresswell singled and advanced to second on Kiyan's sacrifice bunt. Jenna Hopkins delivered a timely RBI single allowing Cresswell to score, putting the Bearcats on the scoreboard. Pacific briefly threatened in the seventh inning when Knepp hit a solo home run, bringing the score to 2–1. However, the Bearcats had already secured a two-run lead in the top half of the inning: Elliott's leadoff single set the stage, followed by her stolen base and advancement to third on a sacrifice by Hatfield. Maya Filger's sacrifice fly then drove Elliott home, providing a crucial insurance run. Despite Pacific's late push, the Bearcats' strategic plays and strong defense maintained the lead, closing out a tense game.
Hopkins recorded two hits and drove in one run, contributing significantly to the team's offensive effort. Filger of the Bearcats delivered a complete game, pitching 7 innings with 4 strikeouts while allowing only 3 hits and 1 earned run, securing the win with a 2–3 record. Her performance was marked by efficiency, giving up just one walk and maintaining a WHIP of 0.57. Cresswell was perfect at the plate with three hits and scored one run. Elliott scored once and stole a base, adding to her one hit and one hit-by-pitch performance.
The Bearcats have an overall record of 8-16 and a conference record of 5-7. Pacific holds an overall record of 10-12 and a conference record of 5-7. Next, they compete against Whitworth in a home game in Salem, Oregon, on April 3 at 1 pm.