NEWBERG, Ore. -- Despite playing their first game over one month prior, the George Fox softball team finally hosted their first games of the season, dropping two tough games to Pacific Lutheran, 2-9 and 3-7.

How It Happened – Game One
Pacific Lutheran set the tone by scoring seven runs in the first inning, fueled by a strategic mix of hits and a key grand slam to propel the Lutes to the lead. The Bruins responded in the second inning with their first run. Kiley Harris managed to draw a walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and was brought home by Jordyn Relethford's single down the left field line, making the score 7-1.

The fourth inning saw both teams adding a run each — Pacific Lutheran extending their lead to 8-1 before the Bruins answered back as Sharon Tomei's double was followed by Harris's RBI single.

Despite consistent efforts and accumulating seven hits throughout the game, the Bruins could not close the gap, with the Lutes taking game one, 9-2.

How It Happened – Game Two
It was another big first inning that pushed the Lutes jumped ahead; PLU scored six runs in the first inning (a total of 13 in the first innings of each game), using six hits to jump out to their early lead.

In the third inning, the Bruins responded with a solid offensive effort. Emily Benavidez led off with a single, followed by a bunt single from Brooke Riggins. Makayla Noone drew a walk, loading the bases. Tinley Taylor's sacrifice fly brought home Madelyn Loughary, and Nicole Campa's double drove in two more runs, cutting the deficit to 3-7.

During the fourth inning, the Bruins continued to put runners on base. Sydney Sandifer walked and Riggins added another single, but the team could not capitalize further, leaving two runners stranded.

Throughout the game, the Bruins accumulated eight hits but were unable to add to their third-inning total of three runs. Despite this, the team limited PLU to just one hit in the final three innings, showcasing strong defensive efforts to close the game as Fox dropped the game, 3-7.

Top Performers
Brooke Riggins led the Bruins with a standout performance, achieving a perfect 3-for-3 in game one at the plate and scoring one run. Nicole Campa totaled with a double and two RBIs, securing a hit in four at-bats. Sharon Tomei added to the team's effort with three hits and one RBI over the two games.

What It Means
The Bruins fall to 5-8 (0-2 NWC), while Pacific Lutheran improves to 12-4 (2-2 NWC)

What Comes Next
Weather permitting, Fox will be back at Morse Athletic Field on Sunday, March 22. First pitch is scheduled for noon.