FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Puget Sound's first appearance in the Northwest Conference playoffs in the Division III era came to an end Friday as the Loggers fell to Whitworth 7-1 at Pacific University. A tough first two innings put the Loggers in an early hole they couldn't climb out of.

Whitworth struck first in the opening frame. A pair of singles and a costly error led to two runs. The Pirates added three more in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run double, making it 5-1. A triple in the third set up another score, and the Pirates continued to apply pressure.

Puget Sound managed their lone run in the second inning when Kahiua Teruya blasted a solo home run, his first of the season. Despite Teruya's standout performance — going 4-for-4 at the plate — the Loggers struggled to find offensive rhythm. They tallied just five hits on the day, with no other Logger recording more than one.

On the mound, starter Cal Johnson (3-3) was tagged for five runs (four earned) on six hits in just 1.2 innings. Reliever Ethan Rattie steadied the ship, allowing one run over 3.1 innings, but the early deficit proved too much. Whitworth's O'Connor (8-3) went the distance, tossing a complete game with six strikeouts and just one walk.

The Loggers consistently played as a cohesive team this year. Led by strong senior leadership and a talented group of young players, they exceeded expectations after being unanimously picked to finish last in the conference. Heading into the tournament, the Loggers had the 5th-highest fielding percentage in the country. With a bright future ahead, the seniors graduating on Sunday have much to be proud of.