EUGENE, Ore. — Willamette (OR) (0-1) faced a decisive 9-1 loss in the first game against Bushnell (OR) (1-0) on Saturday at Rich Schwab Field. Willamette's pitching struggled, allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits, including a home run and three triples, across four innings. Despite the setback, the Bearcats managed to score in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to overcome Bushnell's strong offensive start.

Game #1 — Bushnell 9, Willamette 1

Bushnell's score is highlighted by a five-run first inning followed by one run in the second. However, after the run in the second through the third inning Willamette refused to let Bushnell score.

At the top of the fourth inning, Bearcat Emma Elliot singled out to left field, but was got out at second base. Following this attempt at the bottom of the fourth inning Bushnell made three more runs, by Brooklyn Lick, Makenzie Alexander, and Violet Richardson.

In the fifth inning the Bearcats would see more action on the field. Karsen Angel reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second from an error by the second baseman and Maya Filger reached third. Bearcat Mia Atkins scored for the team, but was followed by two more outs.

However, Bushnell's powerful beginning limited the Bearcats and the game ended 9-1.

Game #2 — Willamette 20, Bushnell 5

In the second game of the day, Willamette (OR) (1-1) achieved a strong 20-5 victory over Bushnell (OR) (1-1). The offense erupted with 18 hits, including two triples and two doubles, while scoring in four consecutive innings. The team tallied seven runs in the third and fifth innings to secure the win.

Bushnell initially led with four runs in the first inning, but Willamette's consistent scoring quickly shifted the momentum. Through the second and third innings, Willamette made eleven runs. Right at the top of the second, Mckenzee Petersen singled out to left field, after which Reese Wiseman walked as Petersen advanced to second. Jordan Cresswell's RBI allowed for the first score of the game by Petersen.

Willamette's scoring momentum followed through until the bottom of the third inning, where Bushnell was able to make one run, thanks to Sara Martin. However, against the Bearcat's defense it impossible for Bushnell to take any more points. During the fifth inning, Willamette took advantage and widened their lead, to a final winning score of 20-5.

For the next game, the Bearcats host Warner Pacific University on Saturday, February 21st in another doubleheader at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.