NEWBERG, Ore. – Katrina Johns hit two home runs, and Emma Podliska and Baily Paul joined the home run parade as the Linfield Wildcats rolled past the Lewis & Clark Pioneers 11-1 in six innings Thursday afternoon during the opening round of the Northwest Conference Tournament at George Fox University.
 
The Wildcats (34-7) advance to a second-round game Friday at 1:30 p.m. against George Fox (28-9), which won 8-2 over Whitworth in the day's first game.
 
Linfield gave Wildcats starter Tayah Kelley plenty of run support, starting with Podliska's homer in the third inning.
 
The 'Cats exploded for five runs in the fourth, a spree that included a sacrifice RBI by Kamryn Mobley, a two-run home run by Johns, and a two-run double by Kamryn Apling that stretched the score to 6-0.
 
Lewis & Clark plated its only run in the fifth when Olivia Brackin sent a 2-2 pitch over the left-field wall. Johns answered with another two-run blast in the bottom of the frame, pushing Linfield's advantage to 8-1.
 
In the sixth, Kelsey Wilkinson was grazed by a pitch to earn the free past to first base and Apling followed by drawing a walk. Paul then ended the game by virtue of the eight-run rule with her second home run of the season.
 
Paul went 3 for 4 at the plate, scored twice and drove in three runs. Wilkinson was 2 for 3 and Johns was 2 for 3 with four RBIs. Paul and Abi Proffitt both contributed doubles to aid the Wildcats' offensive effort. For the day, Linfield outhit Lewis & Clark 13-3.
 
Pioneers starter Alyssa Abe took the loss in the pitching circle, evening her record at 9-9. Surrendering eight hits and six earned runs., Abe lasted just 3 2/3 innings before giving way to reliever Jane Wilson.
 
With a complete-game performance, Kelley secured her 16^th win of the season against four losses. She struck out five Pioneers without giving up a walk.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS AND SCHEDULE
Game 1: George Fox 8, Whitworth 2
Game 2: Linfield 11, Lewis & Clark 1, 6 innings
Game 3: Whitworth vs. Lewis & Clark (Friday at 11 a.m.)
Game 4: George Fox vs. Linfield (Friday at 1:30 p.m.)
Game 5: Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4 (Friday at 4 p.m.)
Game 6: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5 (Saturday at 12 p.m.)
Game 7, if necessary: Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6 (Saturday at 2:30 p.m.)
 
If Lewis & Clark advances to the championship round, the games will be played on Sunday starting at 12 noon to accommodate its graduation.