LOS ANGELES, Calif. - With a reinvigorated offense, the Pacific softball program looks for the first series win over LMU since 2017 as the two schools face off in Los Angeles for a three-game series from Friday through Sunday at Smith Field.

Behind the offensive surge is an offense that's putting increased pressure on opposing defenses – as the Tigers (16-29, 4-8 WCC) have averaged 7.3 runs per game over the last four game compared to 1.9 through the opening eight games. The catalyst behind the renaissance has come at the bottom of the order with senior Jordan Hayes and sophomore Peyton Clifford both sporting batting averages over .400 and a combined two strikeouts between them – giving the top of the order ample opportunity to drive in runs. Redshirt senior Olivia Silvestre has seized the chance, not only sporting a batting average over .400 but also added four base hits and a team leading six RBIs. Beyond the hits, Silvestre has flashed a discerning eye at the plate, drawing four walks to no strikeouts.

Her success has trickled down the lineup as another four Tigers carry batting averages above .300 into the weekend, three of whom have multiple RBIs. Even when the Tigers aren't getting hits, they're putting the ball in play – having cut their strikeouts in half (16 strikeouts over the past four compared to 32 during the first eight games).

This consistency at the plate has put the opposition in more positions to commit errors, which has been the case. During the opening eight games of the conference slate, opponents committed a total of eight errors while over the last four they have six already. By contrast, Pacific's defense has played clean, committing only one error during the winning streak compared to ten during the losing streak.

Within the circle, sophomore Kaytee Dahlstrom has stepped up as the team's go-to pitcher, more than doubling the number of innings pitched (13.2 to 6.1) as any other pitcher. Dahlstrom has accounted for two of the four wins, highlighted by a complete game win over Santa Clara. The opposition has had a difficult time figuring out Dahlstrom, batting only .180 and striking out nine times. Behind her, the freshmen combination of Sophia Lambaren and Carley Mulcahey have been equally hard to solve. The duo both have ERAs below 2.00 with Mulcahey unblemished in 6.1 innings spun.

Looking season-wide, Silvestre has emerged as one of the nation's best at hitting the double and drawing the hit by pitch. The San Ramon native ranks ninth in the country with 17 doubles – a mark that currently ties her for sixth in a single season in Pacific history but could find her tied for second with three more doubles. For the latter stat, she ranks 13th with 13 hit by pitches and could contend for the program single season record of 20 if she gets hit once a game for the rest of the season.

Glancing at the series history, Pacific is searching for its first series triumph in Los Angeles since 2014 when it took two of three from the Lions (27-15, 5-4 WCC). All three games are set to be streamed on ESPN+.

Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

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