By Nick Barene and Giancarlo Santoro, Sports Writers
The Lutes softball team was unable to end George Fox’s nine-game unbeaten streak Sunday, losing 8-1.
The Bruins drew first blood in the third inning. After a lead-off single by Kelsey Hansen, left fielder Ashley Bunce bunted and was able to reach first base on a throwing error. The Bruins scored on a sacrifice fly by Kat Hylton and again on a ground out by Kayla Anderson. Afterward, Amanda Woods hit an RBI single to left field, bringing the score to 3-0.
In the fourth inning, the Bruins added two more runs. Baylee Westrick hit a solo home run, and Felicia Chavez hit an RBI single to center.
George Fox tacked on a few more insurance runs in the seventh inning when a sacrifice fly allowed two runs to score. Westrick then added her second RBI on a lineout to center.
The lone run for the Lutes came in the bottom of the seventh inning when senior Samantha Pryor blasted a home run over the wall in left-center field.
“I think this weekend provided us with an opportunity to learn about ourselves as individuals and as a team,” Pryor said.
Pitcher Kelsey Robinson, a junior, started the game for the Lutes and ended up losing her second game of the season after giving up an unruly eight earned runs.
Bruins starter Erin Hento remains undefeated with her fourth straight win as she held the Lutes to just one run on seven hits. Hento also struck out four Lute batters.
Officials canceled the second game of the doubleheader due to wet conditions. There is no further information on when, and if, that game will be played at a later date.
The Bruins kept their record unblemished, moving to 9-0 overall, 3-0 in Northwest Conference play. The Lutes fall to 1-5 overall, 0-1 NWC. The Lutes will host Whitworth in another weekend doubleheader this coming weekend.
“Although the results are disappointing, we know we have the potential to be a good team,” Pryor said. “We are looking forward to getting back to work this week.”
