McMINNVILLE, Ore. – A five run first inning proved to be enough as the Whitworth University softball team defeated Willamette 6-2 at the Northwest Conference tournament, hosted by Linfield College, on Friday at Del Smith Stadium.

Willamette scored in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the inning, but the Pirates went to work early. After a Bearcat error put sophomore Brittany Connor on first, senior Taylor Gilbert drilled a hit to left center, scoring Connor.  An RBI double from freshman Shannon Wessel put Whitworth in front and an RBI single from junior Peyton McMahon extended the lead. Freshman Kayla Batastini made it a five run inning as her double to center field plated a pair of runs. Whitworth was able to go through the entire batting order before Willamette could end the inning.

Willamette got a run back in the top of the third, but Whitworth shut the Bearcats out in the final four innings. The Pirates added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth. Senior Julia Johnson drew a walk with one out. McMahon singled to left field with two outs, putting runners on first and second for Batastini, who scored Johnson with a single to right field. A pair of ground outs and a pop up ended the game in Whitworth's favor.

Peyton McMahon went 4-4 at the plate, with a run scored and a run batted in. Julia Johnson was 2-3 at the plate with a run scored. Kayla Batastini was 2-4 with a game-high three RBI.

Freshman Madi Perez (15-6) earned the win in the circle, allowing just two runs on eight hits with a strikeout in seven innings of work. Victoria Bradshaw (3-7) took the loss, allowing four earned runs on five hits while only recording one out in the first inning.

Whitworth improves to 27-15 on the season, while Willamette ends the season with an 18-22 record. The Pirates face the loser of the Pacific (Ore.)-Linfield matchup, currently being played, at Del Smith Stadium on Saturday morning.