"Today was not a good day for Seattle U softball," said head coach Dan Powers. "We can't let a good team like Portland State get extra outs off of both physical and mental errors."
In the early game, Portland State took a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the first.
The Redhawks responded with a pair of runs of their own to take a 2-1 advantage off Jessica Ulrich's (Lewiston, Idaho) two RBI double to left center.
SU's offensive lift was not enough, as the Vikings added four runs in the second and an additional run in the third to take a 6-2 lead.
In the bottom half of the third, Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) slammed a one out solo home run over the left field fence in an effort to reenergize the Seattle U offense.
Portland State would respond first with another solo run in the fifth inning and a pair in the seventh to take a 9-3 lead.
In a last ditch effort, SU worked to even the score in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded and an out, Ulrich was walked to send home a run. One out later, Karina Smyth (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) came to the plate and reached on a PSU throwing error, scoring a pair of runs on the play. The Redhawks were unable to keep the inning alive, as Katie Gould (Medford, Ore.) grounded out to conclude the game.
In the late game, it was a defensive battle until the top of the fourth, when Portland State opened things up. They managed to score a pair of runs in the fourth, a solo run in the fifth and add five runs in the seventh to shutout SU.
Seattle U will look to bounce back on Saturday, Apr. 23, as SU and PSU close out the series with a doubleheader starting at 12 noon. Prior to first pitch, the Redhawks will honor the careers of the graduating senior class.