Bearcats Come Up Just Short to Bruins

NEWBERG, Ore. — Willamette University (9-31, 6-22) faced off against George Fox University (22-18, 17-12) in a doubleheader on Sunday at Morse Athletic Field, resulting in two losses for the Bearcats. In the first game, Willamette fell 5–1, while the second game concluded in a tightly contested 7-6 defeat.

In Game 1, Willamette scored its sole run in the fourth inning, driven by its three total hits, including a double. George Fox established an early lead with four runs in the first inning, thanks to Makayla Noone's single and stolen base, which set the stage for a costly defensive miscue by the Bearcats. This allowed the first run to score, followed by back-to-back home runs from Emily Benavidez and Sami Stadtlander, extending the lead to four runs. Willamette attempted to rally in the fourth when Lauren Stube reached on an error and later crossed the plate after a productive groundout by Desirae Hatfield. Mckenzee Petersen's double in the sixth provided another opportunity, but the Bearcats could not capitalize further. Despite putting a runner in scoring position in the seventh, George Fox's defense held firm.

Mckenzee Petersen delivered a solid performance, pitching 4 innings with two strikeouts and allowing only one earned run, while also contributing two hits, including a double. Lauren Stube drew a walk and scored a run, and Desirae Hatfield added one RBI. Lizzie Brasher pitched 2 innings for Willamette, conceding 4 runs on 4 hits, including 2 home runs, while Riley Pirkle of George Fox was dominant over 7 innings, giving up just 3 hits and no earned runs.

In Game 2, Willamette took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning, but George Fox responded with three runs in the bottom of the first. Willamette's offense was highlighted by a two-run homer from Maya Filger in the fifth inning, following an RBI double from Emma Elliott, extending the Bearcats' lead to 6-3. However, George Fox capitalized on a four-run sixth inning to overturn the Bearcats' advantage. Corine Doran opened with a double, followed by an RBI single from Emily Benavidez, and Charlotte Brooke's pinch-hit double drove in two more runs. A bunt single by Kiley Harris capped the comeback, putting George Fox ahead 7-6.

Emma Elliott shone offensively for Willamette, recording two hits, including a double, scoring twice, and adding an RBI. Maya Filger's contributions included a home run and two RBIs, while Mckenzee Petersen finished with a hit and an RBI. Maddy Tuning pitched 4 innings for the Bearcats, allowing 3 earned runs on 5 hits, while Mckenzee Petersen and Maya Filger contributed in relief. For George Fox, Allison Heater pitched 6 innings, surrendering 5 earned runs, while Nicole Ledendecker closed with a scoreless inning.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 9-31 and are 6-22 in the conference, while George Fox improves to 22-18 and stands at 17-12 in the conference.