ROSEMONT, Ill. -- The Madonna University Softball team was back in action for day two of the NAIA Leadoff Tournament and finished with a 1-1 record. The Crusaders defeated the No.25 ranked Cougars of Saint Xavier University  (Ill.) 2-1 and fell to the Raiders of Northwestern College (Iowa) 5-1. 

GAME 1:

Madonna was able to put the pressure on the Cougars right away in the top of the first as they had runners on second and third, but the Cougars found a way out. The Crusaders found themselves in a defensive battle with the Cougars from there on out.
The game had reached the top of the seventh, Alissa Gauthier was standing on second base, and the Schoolcraft College (Mich.) transfer Autumn Reed found herself at the plate with two outs. That's when lightning struck and Reed launched one over the left-field fence as she hit a two-run go-ahead home run to take the lead.
The Cougars showed some fight with their backs against the wall, with one out Saint Xavier hit a double down the left-field line. The next batter would hit a single to left field and the Cougars now had runners on first and third, and the potential game-winning run up to bat. Maeson Schlaud and the Crusader defense held strong as they gave up a run but ultimately came away with the 2-1 victory. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Reed finished the game 3-of-3 with a home run and two RBIs
• Elizabeth Savacool was 1-of-2 with a double and a walk
• Schlaud threw another complete game with nine strikeouts and only allowed one earned run. 

Game 2:

In the first matchup in three seasons, the Crusaders matched up against the Raiders of Northeastern College (Iowa). The Raiders got things going in the top of the first scoring three runs. Madonna found themselves in a hole down 4-0 heading into the bottom of the third. 
Sophomore, Emily Theisen got the Crusaders first hit of the game, two batters later, Savacool had a triple down the left-field line to but the Crusaders on the board. However, those would be the only hits of the game by Madonna as they dropped this one 5-1.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• This was the first matchup against Northwestern, and they lead the All-Time series 4-2

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will wrap up the NAIA Leadoff Tournament tomorrow, Saturday February 4th as they take on Kentucky Christian University and Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.). 

CONNECT WITH THE CRUSADERS: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
SUBSCRIBE/DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE APP: Google Play | iOS