The offensive struggles for the Seattle University softball team continued Sunday, as it earned only two hits while Western Oregon was able to string a couple of hits together to pick up the 1-0 victory in a non-conference game at Logan Field.
The pivotal inning was the sixth, as Tyler Sutherland led off and fouled a ball off behind the plate, but catcher Jessica Amador () was unable to make the catch, extending the at-bat. Sutherland singled, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on a single to centerfield by Jessica Hallmark.
Western Oregon (19-14) received solid pitching from Jessica Wood, who gave up singles to Brenda Stice (, ) and Jane Purdy (Missoula, Mont.) as well as a couple of walks, but did not allow any Redhawk runners past second base. She struck out six batters during the afternoon.
The lack of offense by the Redhawks wasted a solid pitching performance from Erin Martin (, ), who scattered seven hits and did not walk anybody while striking out four batters. Sutherland earned three hits for the Wolves to lead all players.
(26-9-1) will look to regain its offensive momentum when it faces Northwest Nazarene Thursday, April 17, in a GNAC doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Redhawks could be part of a four-way tie for the conference lead after Sunday’s action, already joined by Montana State Billings and Central Washington at the top of the standings with Western Washington just a half-game behind after winning the first of two against Saint Martin’s.