Bearcats Win Shut Out against La Verne, 2-0

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

CLAREMONT, CALIF. -- Willamette University recorded its second shutout in a row, as the Bearcats downed the University of La Verne, 2-0, on Wednesday, March 23 on the campus of Pomona-Pitzer. Alex Watilo (Jr., RHP, Newcastle, CA/Del Oro HS), who pitched a one-hit 8-0 shutout against Whittier College on Tuesday, earned the win against La Verne.

The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Sierra Lessel (Jr., CF, Eugene, OR/Churchill HS) opened the game with a double. One out later, Talissa Huntsman (Jr., UT/P, Richland, WA/Richland HS) drove Lessel to third with a single to right field.

Huntsman was thrown out attempting to steal second base, but Lessel scored on the play. Nichole Robertson (Jr., RF, Elk Grove, CA/Franklin HS/Cosumnes River Coll.) singled with two outs in the inning and was left at first base when the Leopards recorded the third out.

WU added a run after Robertson reached base and advanced all the way to third on an error by the second baseman. Susie Krewer (Jr., UT, Sacramento, CA/Mira Loma HS) batted next and singled through the left side to score Robertson with the insurance run.

The 2-0 lead was plenty for Watilo as she kept the Leopards off the scoreboard. Watilo, now 5-2 on the season, allowed just four hits, while striking out two batters and giving up one walk.

La Verne had its best chances to score in the second, third and sixth innings, but Watilo kept the shutout intact.

Raven Freret began the second inning by reaching base on an infield error. She was thrown out at second when Candice Nunez sent a fielder's choice toward third.

After a pop-up led to the second out, Lisa Neu walked to put runners at first and second. Watilo got Daryn Schively to fly out to right field to end the threat.

In the third, Mandy Brenner doubled to right field with no outs. Ashley Paul moved Brenner to third with a sacrifice bunt. Brenner had to stay at third when Amanda Hastings grounded out. Tara Allis ended the inning with a line drive that was caught by shortstop Mica Romero (Jr., Woodland, CA/Woodland Christian School).

The Leopards hit back-to-back singles with two outs in the sixth. Nunez grounded out to first base for the final out of the inning.

Laura Olson was the losing pitcher for La Verne and fell to 5-3 with the loss. She had five strikeouts and no walks. Only one of the two runs she allowed was earned.

Willamette achieved a total of six hits by six different players. Suzannah Von Trapp (Jr., 3B, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) was 1 for 2, while Lessel, Huntsman, Krewer, Robertson and Kelli Snyder (So., C, Longview, WA/Kelso HS) each went 1 for 3.

Lessel and Von Trapp combined for two of the game's three extra-base hits. The other was Brenner's double for La Verne in the third inning.

The Bearcats were scheduled to play Pomona-Pitzer in one game later on Wednesday afternoon.