Madi Perez threw a six-hitter Saturday as Whitworth ended three-time defending national champion Tufts University’s 53-game winning streak with a 6-0 triumph at The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida.
The Jumbos, who were opening their season, finished 51-0 last season while winning their third consecutive Division III softball championship.
Perez (4-3) struck out five and walked none while outpitching Erica County, who went 15-0 last season.
Morgan Portlock started and capped a six-run second inning for the Pirates (12-3). Portlock and Tessa Matthews started the inning with back-to-back doubles. Portlock added a two-run single to end the outburst.
Michelle Silva had an RBI single during the inning and scored on Shannon Wessel’s triple to right field.