GIG HARBOR, Wash. - - The University of Puget Sound softball team earned a hard-fought split against Northwest Conference rival Pacific University on Sunday afternoon.

Game 1

The series opener was a masterclass in pitching and clutch hitting. Nyomi Estrada was the hero in the circle, pitching all eight innings and racking up a dominant 15 strikeouts. Estrada kept the Boxers off-balance all afternoon, allowing just one run on three hits.

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Macy Maxwell ignited the Loggers with a base hit. Moments later, Alyssa Figueroa provided the play of the day, launching a two-run walk off home run to seal the victory and send the Loggers into the dugouts with a 1-0 series lead.

Puget Sound takes the game 3-1.

Game 2

The Loggers looked to carry that momentum into the second game, striking first in the bottom of the opening inning. Estrada contained her streak at the plate, driving in Claire Besancon with an RBI single, followed by Alyssa Waldo scoring on a wild pitch to give the Loggers an early 2-1 lead.

However, the Pacific Boxers came alive in the third and fifth innings, capitalizing on a series of hits and defensive miscues to pull away. Despite the deficit, the Loggers continued to fight, adding two late runs in the fifth. Estrada notched her second RBI of the game with another single up the middle, and Brenna Flannery crossed the plate on a passed ball to cap the scoring for Puget Sound.

Leading the Way

Estrada was untouchable in the circle during Game 1, striking out 15 batters. She also led the charge at the plate, totaling 4 hits and 3 RBIs on the day.

Figueroa provided the highlight of the day with one swing of the bat, launching a clutch two-run walk off home run to win game one.

Waldo was a consistent spark at the top of the lineup, she finished the doubleheader with 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and crossed the plate twice for the Loggers. Maxwell and Kylie Tanimura kept the momentum moving; Maxwell notched 2 hits and scored the winning run in game 1, while Tanimura reached base 3 times across the board.
 

What Happens Next

The Loggers conclude their series against Pacific tomorrow morning at Gig Harbor High School. The doubleheader is set for Monday, March 16, with a 9 AM first pitch.