TUCSON, Ariz. – The Western Washington University softball team was defeated in a pair of games Saturday at the Desert Stinger Tournament at Lincoln Park.

The Vikings dropped to 2-7 on the season falling to Washburn 6-2 in the opening game of the day and then 1-0 against Minot State in the second game. 

Senior shortstop Tatum Dow combined to go 5-for-6 with a double at the plate, with Kinzey Williams(2-for-6, 2 R), Kanilehua Pitoy (2-for-3) and Dakota Brooks (2-for-6, 2B, 2 RBI) also contributing multiple hits during the two games.

Starting pitchers Kira Doan and Joie Baker each went the distance, with Baker allowing only one run in her complete-game effort against Minot State.

The WWU defense was nearly flawless in the field making only one error in 13 innings.

WWU's Desert Stinger campaign concludes with a single game Sunday taking on MSU Denver with first pitch scheduled for 12 pm MT/11 am PT at Lincoln Park. The Vikings home opener is scheduled for next Saturday (Feb. 19) with a doubleheader scheduled to start at 11 am vs. the University of Puget Sound at Viking Field.

The Vikings got off to a great start leading Washburn 1-0 following the top of the 3rd inning, but the Ichabods scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning en route to the 6-2 victory.

WWU's eight-hit attack was led by a 3-for-3 game by senior shortstop Tatum Dow and another multi-hit game from senior first baseman Dakota Brooks, who drove in both runs for the Vikings. Junior left fielder Kinzey Williams made her first career start and went 2-for-3 scoring a pair of runs.

Washburn sent 10 batters to the plate in the decisive 3rd-inning outburst with a two-run single by pitcher Jaycee Ginter and a pair of bases loaded walks.

Ginter (1-1) earned the win in the circle scattering eight hits in the complete-game effort, recording eight strikeouts without allowing a walk.

WWU senior Kira Doan (0-2) was saddled with the loss allowing nine hits and six runs in 6.0 innings. She walked five and struck out one batter.

Minot State pushed a run across in the top of the 6th inning on a two-out double by shortstop Lenora Watson and received a combined shutout pitching performance from Jasmine Blizzard and Trinity Valentine in a 1-0 victory over the Vikings.

WWU put the potential game-tying run on base to lead off the bottom of the 7th inning following a leadoff single by Kanilehua Pitoy, but Valentine retired the final three batters via strikeout to seal the win.

The Vikings out-hit the Beavers 8-6, but were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left seven runners on base.

Freshman Joie Baker (2-3) scattered six hits and allowed only one run to record the tough-luck loss in the circle.

Senior shortstop Tatum Dow recorded her third multi-hit game of the season going 2-for-3 and Pitoy was also 2-for-3.

Here is a detailed look at WWU's five-game schedule at the Desert Stinger held at Lincoln Park in Tucson, Arizona. A comprehensive tournament website is available at MSUBSports.com, which includes important fan information in regards to tickets and field locations. All games will feature live statistical updates online with links listed below:

The Vikings (2-7) are back in action Sunday concluding the Desert Stinger against MSU Denver with first pitch scheduled for noon MT/11 am PT. The game vs. the Roadrunners will feature live statistical updates with a direct link available at wwuvikings.com/22_SB.