Salem, Ore. — The Puget Sound Loggers fought hard to a 2-1 loss followed by a tough five-inning 11-3 loss to Willamette University on Saturday afternoon.
Game 1: Puget Sound 1, Willamette 2
In a riveting match-up at the top of the first inning, Puget Sound's Kimora Phillips walked, setting the stage for an eventful start. However, the team's subsequent efforts failed to yield any runs.
Willamette turned up the heat at the bottom of the first with a double by Brianna Majors, followed by an RBI double by Mia Lund, securing the first run of the game.
Puget Sound retaliated fiercely in the top of the third as Brenna Flannery hammered a homer to left center, leveling the score. However, the inning ended with only one run despite efforts to capitalize further.
The game continued with both teams displaying formidable defense, with standout moments from the Logger infield.
Willamette held their ground in the bottom of the seventh, as tensions peaked and the Bearcat's single to right field paved the way for a crucial run, capitalizing on an error by Puget Sound's second baseman.
Game 2: Puget Sound 3, Willamette 11 (5-innings)
In a challenging game against Willamette, Puget Sound struggled to maintain control from the early innings. Willamette set a blistering pace, scoring an impressive six runs in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on hits, steals, and errors.
The Loggers pushed hard in the fourth, but were only able to convert one run after Claire Besancon was initially walked, Aislynn O'Reilly flied out to left field to score in Besancon.
Despite Puget Sound's efforts to rally, Willamette's strong defense held firm, keeping them ahead throughout the game. Puget Sound managed to put up a fight, scoring two runs following two walks and a couple of wild pitches to advance the runners in the top of the fifth inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome Willamette's lead.
Ultimately, Puget Sound succumbed to a defeat with a final score of 11-3.
The Loggers finish out the series tomorrow, Sunday, April 21, at noon on Roy Helser Field.