The Central Washington University softball team used a pair of two-run homeruns to defeat Pacific Lutheran University 11-2 in game number two to earn a split with the Lutes Wednesday afternoon in Parkland, Wash.
 
The Wildcats lost the opener 1-3 to move to 7-4 on the season, while the Lutes move to 6-2.
 
Kayla Ellis and Jacie McDaniels both hit two-run homeruns in the nightcap where the Wildcats racked up 13 hits en route to the 11-2 victory.  McDaniels totaled four RBI in the contest and finished 2 for 4 with a run scored.
 
Central jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in game two behind a sacrifice fly by McDaniels that plated Celine Fowler, followed by a two-run double by Taylor Ferleman. 
 
After the two long balls in each the third and fourth innings, Paige Liikala scored Shyne McKay on a double to left center, followed by a two-run single by Samantha Gorham.
 
Taylor Williams went five strong innings in the circle for the Wildcats, allowing just one earned run, throwing just 66 pitches to pick up her first collegiate win and move to 1-0 on the season.
 
Despite out hitting the Lutes 8 to 7 in the opener, the Wildcats were unable to string together more than one run, falling 1-3.  McDaniels pushed around the Wildcats lone score in the third inning on a fielder's choice, giving her five RBI on the day.
 
Next up, the Wildcats open Great Northwest Athletic Conference play on Friday, March 10 when they play host to Northwest Nazarene.  Due to field conditions the game will be moved away from Frederick Field, with a site yet to be determined.