The Pioneer softball team dropped both games of Saturday's doubleheader at Whitworth, falling 12-4  (box score) and 5-4 (box score) to the Pirates in Spokane. Laura Parker and Karyne Sander each had three hits for the Pioneers.

In game one, Whitworth scored eight runs in the first inning and three more in the second to open a quick 11-0 lead.

L&C rallied for four runs in the top of the fifth.  Jamie Moon (sophomore, Baker City, Ore.) reached on an error. After Sheree Miura (junior, Waipahu, Hawaii) walked, Laura Parker (junior, Healdsburg, Calif.) singled to load the bases. Jamie Moon scored on a wild pitch. After Paige McFeeley (freshman, Boise, Idaho) was hit by a pitch to reload the bases, Sarah DiSabatino (senior, Pleasanton, Calif.) was also hit by a pitch to score the Pioneers' second run. Karyne Sander (senior, Grants Pass, Ore.) singled to drive in two runs to make it an 11-4 game. The Pirates added one more run in the bottom of the fifth to close out the game with a 12-4 score.

Karyne Sander led the Pioneers at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a two-run single in L&C's four-run fifth.

In game two, Whitworth led 5-0 heading to the seventh inning before L&C rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh and had the bases loaded with one out.

Jessica Mullins (sophomore, Randle, Wash.) singled up the middle. Karyne Sander followed with a single to left. Michaela Satter (freshman, McKinleyville, Calif.) reached on an error to load the bases. After a run was cut off at the plate on a fielder's choice, Jamie Moon came to the plate with the bases still loaded and one out. Moon singled through the left side, scoring two runs. Sheree Miura walked to re-load the bases. Laura Parker singled to center field, driving in two more runs. Sarah DiSabatino was hit by a pitch to load the bases again. Another run was cut off at the plate on a fielder's choice. With the bases loaded, two outs, and a full count on the batter at the plate, Whitworth reliever Kelsey Ayers got a strikeout to preserve the 5-4 victory.

Paige McFeeley was credited with the loss after giving up the go-ahead run in the first. Matson pitched 5.1 innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on nine hits.

The teams will complete the four game series on Sunday with another doubleheader at Marks Field, beginning at noon.