SYLVANIA, Ohio - Coming off a three-game win streak in the 2023 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament, the Madonna Crusaders (35-12, 15-7) advanced to the championship game, where they faced the Concordia University Ann Arbor Cardinals (40-15, 16-5). Splitting with the Cardinals earlier in the season, the Crusaders had their chance to make up that loss in this championship game. 

It would be no easy feat though, as the Cardinals had the WHAC's 2023 Player of the Year. On the Crusaders' side though, stood 2023 WHAC Pitcher of the Year and 2022 All-American, Maeson Schlaud. Despite pitching all but two innings for the Crusaders in the tournament so far, Schlaud took the mound once again for the biggest game of the Crusaders' season. 

With no concern for the Cardinals' loaded roster, Schlaud pitched a no-hitter in the championship game, bringing home a 2-0 win for the Crusader, leading them to a conference title and a bid to the National Tournament. This also marks the first Tournament Championship for the Crusaders under head coach Ron Pezzoni.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Neither team saw a hit in the first two innings of play. Schlaud kept the Crusaders afloat as they were unable to see the ball well early. In the first two innings, Schlaud faced only six batters; striking out one and letting her defense take care of the rest. 

The Crusaders would finally get their rhythm in the top of the third, rattling off five hits in the inning. After a single, Bailey Martin would get to second base on the next at bat off of a hit from catcher Mackenzie Ming. Pinch runner Lucy Bennin would relieve Martin on-base after getting into scoring position, as the Crusaders hoped her speed would get them that elusive first run. That choice would turn out to be the right one, as Kelsi Littleton would hit her home with the next plate appearance. However, an error by the Cardinals' centerfielder would give Ming the opportunity to book it home as well. Following the error, the Crusaders held a 2-0 lead after three innings.

Schlaud would continue to hold off the Cardinals, throwing four more strikeouts without allowing a hit. Schlaud even got the best of WHAC Newcomer of the Year, Katie Tobias, in the bottom of the second as she struck her out swinging. Schlaud would go on to pitch another no-hitter in her stellar senior campaign, crowning the Crusaders WHAC Tournament Champions with a 2-0 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Schlaud secured the win for Madonna with another no-hitter. She threw five strikeouts and allowed two walks.
• Shlaud pitched 26-of-28 innings throughout the tournament, with a 4-0 tournament record.
• Ming went 2-of-3 at the plate with one run.
• Littleton had one RBI.

UP NEXT:

With their win, the Crusaders have secured their bid to Nationals and will head to the NAIA Opening Round, representing the WHAC as their 2023 Tournament Champions.