TEMPE, Ariz. — Portland State University (3-6) pulled ahead early and coasted the rest of the way against Pacific University (1-6), winning 7-2.

Vikings freshman shortstop Mia Martinez reached home on a throwing error by Tigers sophomore shortstop Peyton Clifford. Shortly after, Jolee Benson had an RBI single with the bases loaded to cap off the strong inning for Portland State.

Tigers junior pitcher Justice Alcaraz struggled early, allowing three runs and loading the bases in her first and only inning of work.

Pacific quickly responded, though, as Vikings freshman first baseman Sofia Peato committed an error in the bottom of the inning to get Clifford on first base.

Just one batter later, Tigers designated hitter Kaylah Adams hit a 2-run homer to deep left field to keep the game in reach through one inning.

After Alcaraz’ tough outing, Pacific coach Sam Duran-Kukuk turned to sophomore pitcher Alexa Lewis to start the 2nd. 

With runners on the corners and 1 out, Lewis walked Peato to load the bases before a sacrifice fly from Martinez brought the Portland State lead back to two.

An impressive snag from Tigers senior left fielder Olivia Silvestre mitigated damage in the second inning. 

Silvestre was quickly matched by sophomore outfielder Gracie Toney, who made a diving snag outside the right field line to record the first out of the inning for the Vikings.

Benson scored for Portland State after Tigers sophomore second baseman Alyssa Garcia lost control of a line drive single off the bat of Vikings senior outfielder Grace Johnson.

Fielding struggles were a trend for Pacific early, letting Portland State get away with ease.

A single from senior pitcher Sherreia Nakoa-Chung, who was the designated hitter on Friday, loaded the bases for the Vikings. Then, a sacrifice fly from Benson brought home junior utility player Breanna Lutz to make the score 6-2.

Despite the Tigers’ defense righting the ship down the stretch, the bats failed to capitalize, as Vikings senior pitcher Gracie Walters kept the Tigers scoreless over the final 5 innings.

Portland State looks to get its second win at the Littlewood Invitational tomorrow, Feb. 14, afternoon against Arizona State.

Pacific will try to break a five-game skid tomorrow, Feb. 14, afternoon against Nevada.