A pair of one-run losses pushed the Beacons to 0-2 as they opened up their weekend trip to Portland for the Northwest Cup, hosted by Concordia University.
 
NCU's first shutout loss of the season came at the hands of Carroll College in the opening contest. Katie Walker produced a complete-game effort in the pitcher's duel, giving up just the one seventh-inning run. The Beacons collected four hits, all singles, including a pair for junior Kaeli Massetto (pictured).
 
Game two provided more fireworks, but a similar result as NCU fell to Lewis & Clark, 7-6. The Pioneers claimed the victory on a walk-off two-run home run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning.
 
Jill Surratt went the first 5.1 innings in the circle, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out a pair. Janeive Boyles took the loss, throwing the final three outs before surrendering the game-winning hit.
 
NCU scored their six runs on just five hits as they benefitted from three Pioneer errors. Randi Kostner, Suratt, Addy Hoskins, Massetto, and Torie O'Keeffe each had hits for the Beacons with Suratt crossing the plate twice.
 
The Beacons will close out play in the NW Cup on Sunday with games against British Columbia and St. Martin's.