BRIGHTON, Mich.-- The Madonna University Softball team started their 2022 campaign at the Legacy Classic where they took on Miami University Hamilton and Judson University and came away with 4-1 win against Miami and a 8-1 win against Judson. 
 
GAME 1: Madonna 4, Miami-Hamilton 1
It was an eventful first inning for the Crusaders, starter Maeson Schlaud and Madonna's defense had a quick first inning shutting down the first three batters. With the Crusaders up to bat, senior Veronica Pezzoni started things off with a single which seemed to get things rolling for Madonna. Two batters later, Kattie Popko  got the Crusaders on the board with an RBI single to right field. The next two batters Jenna Gilbert, and Brooke Garbarino both knocked in runs to make it 3-0 after the first. 

In the fourth, the Crusaders were able to get on the board once more. Madonna had runners on second and third with Pezzoni up to bat. She was able to get a single bringing in one run, to make it 4-0. Schlaud was able to keep Miami in check, only allowing two hits going into the fifth inning. Miami would finally get on the board making it 4-1 in the fifth off a blooper that landed in left field. Schlaud settled back in and didn't allow another hit after that, she would get her first win of the season, along with 15 strikeouts. 

TOP PERFORMERS
 

• Pezzoni: 2-for-3, 1 Run, 1 RBI
• Popko: 1-for-3, 1 Run, 1 RBI
• Gilbert: 1-for-3, 1 RBI
• Garbarino: 1-for-3, 1 RBI

PITCHING DECISION
 

• Win: Maeson Sclaud (1-0): 7.0 IP, 5 hits, 1 earned run, 0 BB, 15 K
• Loss: LaViolett (0-1)

GAME 2: Madonna 8, Judson 1
It was an eventful first inning for the Crusaders. Freshman Emma Mossing was up to bat with the bases loaded, She grounded out on a fielder's choice but still knocked in a run to make it 1-0.

Jenna Gould started for the Crusaders and had a strong outing. Gould went 4.0 innings and only allowed one earned run off one hit in the fourth. After that, Emily Biggott came in and dominated. She threw for 3.0 innings, struck out four batters and did not allow a single hit. 

The score was 1-1 for a while, until the seventh inning where the Crusaders hung a seven run inning on Judson to win 8-1. 

TOP PERFORMANCES
 

• Pezzoni: 2-for-4, 2 Runs, 1 RBI
• Popko: 3-for-4, 1 Run, 2 RBI
• Gilbert: 2-for-3, 1 Run, 1 BB
• Mossing: 1-for-4, 3 RBI
• Garbarino: 1-for-4, 1 RBI

PITCHING DECISION 
 

• Win: Emily Biggott (1-0): 3.0 IP, 0 hits, 1, BB, 4 K
• Loss: Dietz (0-1)

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will hit the road as they travel to Georgetown, Ky. on February, 12 to take on Georgetown College (Ky.) for a double header.

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