Bearcats drop doubleheader against Whitworth

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (9-19, 6-10 NWC) faced off against Whitworth University (5-18, 3-9 NWC) in a doubleheader on Saturday at WU Softball Field, resulting in two losses for the Bearcats. In the first game, Willamette fell 5-2, managing to score in both the first and fourth innings while recording seven hits. Despite their efforts, Whitworth capitalized on 13 hits and maintained a steady scoring pace throughout the game.

In the fifth inning of Game 1, Whitworth took control with a critical series of hits, starting with Landri Nakano's single and stolen base that loaded the bases. Teeghan Reams then delivered a crucial single, driving in the go-ahead run and establishing a 4-2 lead for the Pirates. The Bearcats' defense managed to cut down a runner at the plate to avoid further damage, but the momentum had shifted decisively.

Willamette's scoring began in the first inning when Mckenzee Petersen drove in Maris Pinheiro, following a sacrifice bunt by Maggie Fleischmann. In the fourth inning, Reese Wiseman added a run with a double to right center, bringing home Desirae Hatfield. However, despite several opportunities, the Bearcats couldn't mount a comeback, leaving runners stranded in later innings.

Player Highlights for Game 1:
- Maris Pinheiro: 2 hits, 1 run, OPS of 1.417
- Mckenzee Petersen: 2 hits, 1 RBI, pitched 5 innings with 1 strikeout
- Reese Wiseman: 1 hit, 1 RBI
- Maggie Fleischmann: 1 hit, 2 assists

Lina Schwippert of Whitworth pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run over 7 innings while striking out six. Willamette's Maddy Tuning pitched 2 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits with two strikeouts.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Willamette fell again, this time 4-1. The Bearcats recorded six hits, including three doubles, but struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Whitworth broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a two-RBI single by Reagan Ellis and extended their lead to 4-1 in the seventh with a two-RBI double from Tessa Hahn.

Willamette initially took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, thanks to Jade Kiyan's leadoff double, which set the stage for her to score on a wild pitch after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt. Jenna Hopkins also contributed with a double in the same inning but was left stranded.

In the fifth inning, the Bearcats had a chance to rally when Kiyan, Pinheiro, and Hopkins each singled to load the bases with two outs, but Mckenzee Petersen's flyout ended the threat, leaving three runners on base.

Player Highlights for Game 2:
- Jenna Hopkins: 2 hits (including a double), reached base after being hit by a pitch, OPS of 1.750
- Jade Kiyan: 2 hits, 1 run, 1 double, OPS of 1.667
- Mckenzee Petersen: 1 hit (double)

Maya Filger pitched a complete game for Willamette, striking out five batters while allowing six hits and four earned runs, taking the loss to move to 2-4. Whitworth's Madison Sanchez earned the win with a solid 4-inning start, giving up three hits and one earned run, while Teeghan Reams secured the save, pitching three innings with three strikeouts and allowing no runs. Both teams showcased strong individual pitching efforts, with Whitworth's staff combining for six total strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.86.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 9-19 overall and 6-10 in the NWC, while Whitworth improves to 5-18 overall and 3-9 in the NWC.