ORANGE, Calif. – Whitworth University rolled to a win over La Sierra, but fell in eight innings to Wellesley on the Pirates' first day of competition at the SunWest Tournament, hosted by Chapman University. Lacey Kerr led the Pirates (7-11) on Monday by going 4-7 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

Whitworth 10, La Sierra 3 - Box Score

After falling behind 3-1 early, Whitworth rolled to a 10-3 win. Jessica Mangis pitched the first six innings to earn her second win of the season. She allowed three runs, none of which were earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Monica Owens pitched the seventh inning, striking out three batters.

Whitworth scored four runs in the third inning to take a 5-3 lead, then added three more in the fourth inning to take control of the game.

Sara Rylaarsdam went 4-4 to lead the Pirates, driving in two runs. Halley Cey was 3-4 with two runs scored. Kerr hit her second home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fifth inning and finished with three RBIs.

Wellesley 4, Whitworth 3 (8 innings) - Box Score

Whitworth jumped to a 3-0 lead, but then saw Wellesley chip away to tie the contest and win in the bottom of the eighth without benefit of a hit.

Kelsey Ayers pitched well through seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. Mangis was the hard-luck losing pitcher after coming on in the eighth inning and now allowing a hit. Wellesley scored its run after the leadoff runner was placed on second, sacrificed to third and scored on a fielder's choice when the throw home was just a little late.

Kerr led the Pirates at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Whitworth will play a game at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Tuesday afternoon before returning to the SunWest Tournament to take on host Chapman University tomorrow night.