GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- No. 12 ranked Crusaders traveled north to take on the Golden Eagles on Cornerstone University, the Crusaders came out victorious in both games making them 4-0 in early conference play.

GAME ONE: Crusaders Run Rule Golden Eagles
 

The Crusaders came out strong, striking early in the first inning. Rylee Fitzpatrick singled up the middle, driving in two runs, with Alissa Gauthier and Regan Finkbeiner both crossing the plate to give Madonna a 2-0 lead. That early surge set the tone for the rest of the game.

In the second inning, the Crusaders continued their offensive onslaught. Gauthier singled to right field to drive in another unearned run, followed by a two-RBI double from Ashley Rosiewicz, bringing in both Brynn Anteau and Gauthier, extending the lead to 6-0.

Cornerstone showed signs of life in the bottom of the second, as they managed to put two runs on the board. However, Madonna's defense and pitching, led by Camille Oyer, kept them from mounting any further serious threats.

Madonna tacked on a run in the fourth and sixth innings, with Ella Thomas scoring on a Gauthier single in the second and Fitzpatrick adding another RBI in the sixth. Despite Cornerstone's attempts, Madonna's pitching staff and defense held firm, with Oyer earning the win, improving her record to 7-1. The Crusaders took game one 11-3.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Gauthier swiped three bases in game one and drove in two runs
• with Gauthier's three stolen bases, she becomes the first Crusader in program history to reach 100 stolen bases
• Thomas continues her hot streak going 2-for-4

GAME TWO: Anderson Dominates to Secure 3-1 Victory 
 

The game remained scoreless through the first inning, as both teams struggled to capitalize on early opportunities. Madonna broke the deadlock in the second inning. Thomas hit a clutch RBI single to shortstop, driving in Fitzpatrick and giving the Crusaders a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, the Crusaders doubled their lead. Thomas again came through in the clutch, singling to center field to bring home Fitzpatrick for her second run of the game, making it 2-0. Cornerstone responded in the bottom of the inning, as the Golden Eagles launched a solo home run to left field, cutting Madonna's lead to 2-1.

However, Madonna's defense and pitching, led by Jane Anderson, remained strong. Anderson pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out several batters to keep the Golden Eagles at bay.

The Crusaders added an insurance run in the fifth inning when Gauthier scored on a throwing error, and Madonna would win this one 3-1 improving their record to 21-6 for the season. Anderson earned her eighth win of the season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Anteau was 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI
• Thomas once again went 2-for-3 with two RBIs
• Anderson was dominate going the distance, seven innings, one run, on two hits, and struck out eight batters

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders are back in action on Wednesday, April 2 when they travel to Sylvania, Ohio to take on Lourdes University

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