CLAYTON - With St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on the horizon, Wednesday could be the catapult that vaults Webster through the SLIAC.

Back-to-back home runs by seniors Kelsey Washam and Dana Vahey capped a three-run seventh inning as Webster pulled the upset of No. 4 Washington University, 6-2, in the second game of WU's non-conference twinbill. The Gorloks dropped the opener, 4-1.

With senior Gina Trapani locked in a pitcher's duel, Webster took advantage of uncharacteristic shaky Bear defense to secure some insurance runs. Washington U. averages about one error per game, had two miscues in the sixth. Vahey smacked a one-out single and advanced to second on a error. She came around to score on junior Tara Camenzind's double. Camenzind raced home on a two-out error.

The runs loomed bigger when WashU scored its first run in the sixth. However, the two long balls added more breathing room for the Gorloks.

Trapani (5-3), the reigning SLIAC Pitcher of the Week, won her fourth straight start as she scattered seven hits over seven innings. She allowed two runs (one earned) with two strikeouts. Trapani twice got out of two on and no out jams. One of them the Bears had runners on second and third with no outs, and failed to dent the plate.

Camenzind had a career-high three hits (3-for-4) with one run scored and a RBI. Vahey and junior Samantha Dittman each had two hits, while Washam recorded two RBI.

Washington scored three two-out runs in the bottom of the first game to take an early lead in the opener. A double by senior Mandy VanVelkinburgh, her second of the game, brought home Vahey with Webster's lone run.

Webster stayed in the game by knocking off two Washington runners at the plate, including junior Cassie Mosier double play that ended the fourth inning. The centerfielder hauled in the second out on a fly ball, then nailed the Bear runner trying to score from third.

The Bears reclaimed their three-run lead with a single run in the sixth.

Webster (9-11 overall) will kick off SLIAC action with a road doubleheader 1 p.m. Saturday at MacMurray.