Fort Wayne, Ind. - The Marian softball team's Crossroads League Tournament run falls short to Spring Arbor on Friday afternoon. After the loss, the Knights move to 34-16 overall on the season.
After holding Spring Arbor to three quick outs at the top of the first, Marian got on the board with
Abby Madere singling through the left side to score
Abbey Hofmann.
Mallorie Beutel followed up with a single down the left field line to score
Mati Hughes and Madere.
Ally Malone finished up the rally, reaching first on an error by the shortstop while Beutel scored on the play, putting the Knights in the lead 4-0.
The Cougars were quick to counter in the top of the second inning, recording four RBI singles as well as a run scored off of an error and one scored off of a ground out, taking the 6-4 lead over Marian. After a dry third inning for both teams, Marian struck again with
Ella Piercy scoring off of a fielder's choice, followed by Hughes recording an RBI single to score
Delaney Rundle and take back the 7-6 lead. Each team held the other scoreless throughout the fifth inning, but Spring Arbor took the lead once again with an RBI single followed by an RBI double to take the two-run lead. After holding the Cougars scoreless, the Knights attempted to counter but fell short, falling 9-7.
Abby Madere led the way, going 2-4 from the plate with two RBIs, while
Ella Piercy went 1-2 from the plate.
Mati Hughes and
Mallorie Beutel each recorded a pair of RBIs as well.
Lexi Smith opened up the game in the circle, pitching for 5.1 innings, striking out five batters in her outing.
Alayna Tesnar came in as relief pitching for 1.2 innings, striking out one batter and only giving up two hits.
The Knights await to find out where they will travel to for the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round on Wednesday, May 6th at 6 pm ET during the NAIA Selection Show premiering on the NAIA Youtube channel.
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