LIVONIA, Mich. - Coming off their sweep of Cleary University, the (RV) Madonna Crusaders Softball Team (25-9, 8-4) returned home to face the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers (24-15, 10-4) in a double-header with huge implications for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference standings. UNOH sits at third in the conference going into the game, with the Crusaders just two games behind in fourth place. The Crusaders came out on top 1-0 in a pitchers' duel in Game 1, led by their pitcher Maeson Schlaud who allowed just one hit and threw ten strikeouts. Game 2 was an entirely different story however, as the Racers ran away with a 5-2 victory to split the series.

GAME 1:

Schlaud started off the game strong with three straight strikeouts, showing off why she has won three of the last four WHAC Pitcher of the Week awards. She followed it up with two more strikeouts in the second inning, but on the other side of play, the Crusaders also struggled to get on base early. Sophomore lead-off hitter Alissa Gauthier reached first after a walk in the bottom of the third, and used her speed to get into scoring position after stealing second. However, the inning would screech to a halt before Gauthier could make it home. The stalemate continued as both teams were scoreless after three. 

The Crusaders would get out of the top of the fourth inning after completing one of the rarest double-plays in softball. Immediately after a strikeout from Schlaud, catcher Mackenzie Ming unloaded a fastball to second as a runner attempted to steal the base. Shortstop Emily Biggott was waiting there, ready for the putout as the Crusaders struck a rare "strike 'em out, throw 'em out," play.

In the bottom of that same inning, the Crusaders would finally break the goose-egg on the scoreboard. After getting into scoring position on second base, Schoolcraft College transfer Autumn Reed booked it home following a hit by Mossing to center field. The single from Mossing proved enough to get the Crusaders on the board, up 1-0 after four.

Both teams combined for only three hits in the remaining innings, as Schlaud and the Crusaders' defense held the Racers scoreless and secured the 1-0 victory in Game 1.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Schlaud threw ten strikeouts and allowed just one hit in seven innings pitched.
• Reed scored the lone run for the Crusaders.
• Mossing had one RBI.

GAME 2:

Looking to get a sweep of the series following their win in Game 1, the Crusaders came out firing early in the matchup. Schlaud returned to the mound for the Crusaders despite having just pitched all seven innings of the first game, and got out of the first inning without allowing a hit. Continuing their strong start into the bottom of the inning, Martin reached first on a fielder's choice, and was relieved by pinch runner Jenalee Herbon. Getting herself into scoring position with a stolen base, Herbon made it home with a hit by senior and team captain Jenna Gilbert to left field for the first run of the game. The Crusaders led 1-0 after one.

After a quiet second inning, the Racers jumped ahead in the top of the third, scoring four unanswered runs to snatch the early lead away from the Crusaders. The Crusaders then fought back with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning. After being walked once again, Gauthier advanced to third with a double by Biggott with the next at bat. She was then brought home by Martin who grounded out but still secured the RBI as Gauthier crossed home, making it a 4-2 ball game.

Having finally reached her pitch count, Schlaud was relieved by Jenna Gould on the mound to start the fourth inning. The Racers would only score one run following the switch on the mound, however the Crusaders were unable to cut into the deficit any more. They would go on to split the series with the Racers as the Crusaders fell 5-2 in Game 2.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Biggott led the team in hits with three.
• Herbon scored one run and stole one base.
• Gauthier scored one run.
• Gilbert and Martin recorded one RBI each.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will head to Rochester, Michigan, to face the Rochester University Warriors (2-18, 0-14) in a double-header beginning at 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 20th.

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