SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Willamette University (3-7) split a doubleheader with Trinity University (8-2) on Sunday at the Trinity University Softball Field. The first match resulted in a Willamette loss 5-3, and the second a difficult but victorious comeback 3-2.

Game #1 — Trinity 5, Willamette 3

In the first game, the Bearcats' offense managed six hits, including two doubles, and scored in the first, fifth, and seventh innings.

Trinity capitalized on the Bearcats' two fielding errors and a four-run effort in the first two innings. Emma Elliott's contributions in the first inning with an RBI single had put Willamette on the board, but subsequent opportunities were limited. Trinity secured its lead in the fourth inning, through a pair of errors by Willamette. Ella Whitacre's RBI single and Hannah Boudreaux's advancement on a throwing error extended the home team's advantage to 5–1. This sequence proved pivotal, as it gave Trinity a cushion that the Bearcats couldn't overcome despite a late push.

Willamette responded in the fifth and seventh innings, with Maris Pinheiro leading the charge. Pinheiro's single in the fifth brought Jenna Hopkins home, narrowing the gap to 5–2. In the seventh, Pinheiro's RBI double scored Gretchen Clower, marking the final run for the Bearcats. Despite a resilient effort, the Bearcats' chances to close the gap further were stymied by Trinity's defense. A combination of productive outs and key hits kept the pressure on, but ultimately the Bearcats were unable to bridge the deficit.

Pinheiro recorded two hits and drove in two runs, including a crucial double with runners in scoring position. Lizzie Brasher pitched a complete game, registering one strikeout over six innings and allowing four earned runs. Elliott contributed with two hits and an RBI, adding a double to her tally. Desirae Hatfield showcased her defensive skills, collecting seven assists from the shortstop position.

Game #2 — Willamette 3, Trinity 2

In the second game, Willamette secured the win with a decisive two-run sixth inning, highlighted by seven hits and strong pitching from Mckenzee Petersen, who allowed no earned runs across seven innings.

The Bearcats broke through in the fifth inning. Pinheiro reached base on a walk, followed by a single from Hopkins, who stole second to put runners in scoring position. Petersen then drove in Pinheiro with a productive groundout to first, giving the Bearcats the initial lead.

In the sixth inning, the Bearcats extended their advantage, sparked by Mia Atkins drawing a walk. Maggie Fleischmann, pinch-running for Atkins, stole second base, setting up Hatfield's RBI double. Jordan Cresswell added an RBI single, scoring Hatfield to push the lead to 3-1. Although Trinity narrowed the gap, the Bearcats' key plays and timely hitting secured the win. Trinity mounted a late rally in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a fielding error to score an unearned run, tightening the score to 3-2. Despite the pressure, the Bearcats' defense held firm to secure the victory.

Hatfield contributed significantly with two hits, including a double, and drove in one run while scoring another. Petersen pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs across seven innings, striking out four and walking three. Elliott added a double in her sole hit from four plate appearances. Atkins showed patience at the plate, drawing two walks and adding a hit.

In their next competition, the Bearcats defend their home field from University of Puget Sound on Saturday, March 7 in a doubleheader, beginning at 12pm.