Willamette Earns Split Against Whitworth

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (9-17, 6-8) faced off against Whitworth University (3-18, 1-9) in a doubleheader on Friday, securing a victory in the first game before falling in the second.

In game 1, Willamette triumphed with a 4–2 victory over Whitworth. The Bearcats took an early lead with two runs in the second inning and added two more in the sixth. Despite committing three errors, the Bearcats' pitching staff limited Whitworth to two runs, both scored in the third inning, while striking out eight batters.

Whitworth tied the game in the third inning with a two-run homer by Teeghan Reams. However, the Bearcats responded decisively in the sixth, breaking the deadlock. Mia Atkins sparked the offense with a double to center field, setting the stage for Gretchen Clower, who advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Reese Wiseman. Emma Elliott then delivered a key RBI single, driving in Clower. Desirae Hatfield's walk kept the pressure on, and Maya Filger extended the lead with a single that brought Elliott home.

Earlier in the second inning, the Bearcats established an early lead with a sequence of disciplined at-bats. Elliott singled and advanced on a hit by Hatfield. Filger's RBI single down the left field line scored Elliott, and Maris Pinheiro's single to left center drove in Hatfield. Despite a tying effort by Whitworth, the Bearcats' sixth-inning rally proved decisive. Whitworth's last chance in the seventh was thwarted by a double play, sealing the Bearcats' victory.

Emma Elliott recorded two hits and scored two runs, contributing one RBI in a strong performance. Maya Filger posted two hits and two RBIs, showing her ability to drive in runs effectively. Maris Pinheiro collected two hits and one RBI, making an impact at the plate. Mckenzee Petersen pitched four innings, allowing five hits while striking out six, demonstrating her control on the mound.

In game 2, Willamette fell to Whitworth with a final score of 7–4. The Bearcats' offensive highlights included two triples and a double, while Mia Atkins and Emma Elliott contributed to the scoring in the middle innings. Whitworth seized control early, scoring four runs in the first two innings, and secured the win with a three-run seventh inning.

Whitworth secured the win with a decisive seventh inning, highlighted by Camryn Sage's three-RBI double down the left-field line. This burst broke a 4–4 tie and handed Whitworth a 7–4 lead, which they maintained through the final outs.

Willamette's efforts to leverage key moments earlier in the game included a productive fifth inning. Mckenzee Petersen's single set the stage, and Atkins delivered with a triple down the right-field line, bringing in a run. Elliott followed by doubling to left center, driving in another run to tie the game at four. Despite these efforts, the Bearcats could not capitalize on later opportunities, leaving two runners on base in the final inning.

Petersen posted three hits in her perfect performance, leading the team's offensive efforts. Desirae Hatfield contributed with a triple and recorded one RBI, showcasing her ability at the plate. Elliott delivered a double, driving in one run and stealing a base to add to the team's scoring chances. Atkins added a triple and an RBI, further enhancing the lineup's production.

Lizzie Brasher took the loss for the Bearcats, pitching 5 innings and allowing 3 earned runs on 7 hits, with 1 strikeout and 1 walk. Maddy Tuning, who started the game, pitched 2 innings, giving up 4 runs, of which 1 was earned, on 4 hits with 1 strikeout. For Whitworth, Teeghan Reams earned the win by pitching 3 scoreless innings, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 4. Lina Schwippert contributed 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. The performance of Reams was pivotal in securing the victory for the visiting team.

The Bearcats concluded the day with a record of 9-17 and 6-8 in the conference, while Whitworth improved to 3-18 and 1-9 in the conference.