SIOUX CENTER, Iowa - The Madonna University softball team showed grit and determination in the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round to earn the program's second-ever opening round championship with two wins over No. 9 Northwestern College (Iowa) on Thursday afternoon.
The Crusaders earned the program's sixth World Series appearance, but second in the current format which began in 2013. From 2005-13 the NAIA used a pool play format followed by a double-elimination tournament and MU failed to escape pool play in their three trips (2009, 10, 12). The Crusaders' first trip came in 1994 when the tournament was a 16-team, double-elimination bracket and MU went 2-2 that season, falling in eight innings to Kennesaw State (Ga.), 4-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Game 1:
Maeson Schlaud started on the mound for the Crusaders, Northwestern again being able to put up hits against Schlaud but unable to create those hits into runs. Schlaud found herself in a few jams in game one but found a way to get out of it and keep the Northwestern offense at bay. Schlaud would go every inning giving up eight hits with two strikeouts on 100 pitches.
The Crusaders offense would come out determined in game one ready to respond to what happened in the first meeting between these two teams yesterday. The Crusaders would score five runs in the first three innings of the game and would only remain scoreless in the fourth and seventh innings. Emily Biggott would lead the Crusaders with a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three singles, a walk, and two RBI's. Jessica Dunkel would also come up big for the Crusaders going 2-for-4 with two singles and two RBI's as well. The Crusaders would easily walk away with the 8-2 victory forcing the winner takes all game two.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Game 2:
Game two would turn out to be a pitchers duel between each team's aces. Neither pitcher gave up many hits and when they did, had the defense to back them up. Schlaud would have one of her best games of the year, although not in the strikeout department but instead forcing the Northwestern batters into tough hitting situations which forced pop outs and ground outs. Schlaud would go every inning again allowing only four hits with three strikeouts on 95 pitches.
The Crusaders offense also struggled to get hits as a team totaling only six, but were able to take advantage when it became available. The lone run would come in the fourth inning after two singles from Dunkel and Mackenzie Ming would put runners at first and second with one out. Lucy Benin would come in to pinch run for Dunkel at second base which would prove to be a great call from Coach Ron Pezzoni. Biggott would be the batter with the opportunity to drive the runs across and would force a ground ball that was tough for the Northwestern defense. The Raiders would try to force the double play to get out of the inning but the throw to first would be bobbled by the first basemen and an aggressive baserunner in Benin took advantage and was just able to slide in front of the throw at home to give the Crusaders the one run it would need to win the game and advance to the NAIA World Series.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Dunkel would go 2-3 with two singles.
- Ella Thomas would go 1-2 with a single.
- Peschke would go 1-2 with a single and a stolen base.
UP NEXT
The Crusaders will travel down to Columbus, Ga. to play in the NAIA World Series. Play will begin on Thursday, May 23rd and will be played at the South Commons Softball Complex, which was built for the 1996 Olympic Games.
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