By Jacob Hayes

Salem, Ore. --- The George Fox Bruins won all four of their games against the Willamette Bearcats, with Sunday finals of 5-1 and 6-4 (9 innings).

How it Happened

The Bruins grabbed an early run in the top of the first with stellar baserunning from Olivia Nelson.  After getting hit by a pitch, she raced around to third when Kamryn Potter singled to right, setting up Savannah Vargas' sacrifice fly.  In the top of the third, Vargas slashed a two-out single through the left side, bringing up Claire Fountain who clobbered a homer to deep center, extending the Bruin lead to 3-0.  The Bearcats picked up a run in the fourth, but Katie Ladd squashed any chance of a comeback with a fifth-inning, two-out, two-RBI double to left field.  Ashley Davis pitched the full seven, earning the win.

In game two, George Fox extended their first-inning scoring streak to five games.  With two outs, Ladd scored Potter with a line-drive RBI single to left-center.  After Victoria Richter walked to load the bases, Jennifer McCue stepped into the box and doubled to left, clearing the bases and giving the Bruins a 4-0 lead.  Though the offense was rolling early, the bats dried up quick, netting only five base runners through the next six innings.  The Bearcats chipped away at the lead slowly but surely, scoring a run in the first, second, fifth, and sixth innings to tie the score.  With the game on the line, Coach Jessica Hollen brought in game one starter Davis to pitch the seventh and prolong the game.  She would go on to pitch three more innings, retiring 9 of the 10 batters she faced.  In the top of the ninth, Fountain broke the tie with a two-run homer down the left field line.  Those runs would be enough as the Bruins won 6-4.  

Top Performers

Fountain led the day with two home runs, batting 5-9 with three runs and four RBIs.  Ladd went 3-8 with a run and three RBIs.  McCue also netted three RBIs thanks to her perfectly-timed double.  Davis took home the win for both games, pitching a combined 10 innings of one-run ball while striking out nine.

Their Thoughts

"The conference is as balanced as I have seen it so anytime you can walk away with a sweep, it's a big deal," coach Jessica Hollen said of the four-game set. "We played great defense and had great performances on the mound which kept us competitive. We had a few big moments as well from Emma Eastman and Victoria Richter which is always great to see. The next two weekends will test us and I am excited to go to work with these young women!"

What It Means

George Fox improves to 17-3 in conference play and 21-7 overall and is tied with Linfield at first in the conference standings. Willamette falls to 2-18 in conference play and 3-23 overall.

What Happens Next

The Bruins are back in Newberg next weekend to play against the Whitworth Pirates in a four-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00pm on Saturday, April 24 at the Morse Athletic Fields.