LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University softball team (29-6, 12-0) returned home to take on the second ranked team in the WHAC, the Warriors of Indiana Tech (24-10, 12-4). The Crusaders were able to sweep the Warriors bringing their winning streak to 12 straight with a 9-6 win in game one and 13-3 five inning run rule mercy in game two.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Game 1:

Madonna struck first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. A two RBI triple by Ashley Rosiewicz, who continued her exemplary hitting from Friday,  set the stage and gave Madonna a 2–0 lead after the first inning.
The Warriors answered in the top of the second, exploding for four runs. A two out fielding error by Madonna started the two out rally for the Warriors with three singles and a triple allowed the Warriors to take a 4-2 lead.
Madonna responded in the bottom of the second with three runs. A double by Jessica Dunkel got the inning started for the Crusaders which was followed by a single from Ella Thomas and Faith Peschke, putting Madonna back in the lead at 5–4.
After a scoreless third inning, Indiana Tech tied the game at 5–5 in the top of the fourth with a single that scored a runner from third. Madonna again had a response in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs. After Brynn Anteau picked up an RBI on a single, it was again Rosiewicz who would hit a towering three run homer for back to back days with a homerun and extending Madonna's lead to 9–5.
The Warriors added a run in the top of the sixth, narrowing the gap to 9–6. However, Madonna's defense held strong, preventing any further scoring.
Crusaders' pitcher Camille Oyer earned the win, improving her record to 12–1. She pitched five innings, allowing six runs, with only one earned, on 10 hits, with two strikeouts and one walk. Jane Anderson secured the save, pitching a perfect sixth and seventh inning allowing only one hit with three strikeouts.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Rosiewicz would go 2-for-4 with five RBIs, a homerun, and a triple.
• Regan Finkbeiner would go 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a double.
• Faith Peschke would go 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Game 2:

Madonna set the tone early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. A sacrifice fly from Rylee Fitzpatrick and a double steal between Rosiewicz and Finkbeiner gave Madonna a 2–0 lead.​
 After a scoreless first two innings from the Warriors, the Crusaders extended their lead in the bottom of the second inning, scoring seven more runs. A flurry of hits and unselfish play with sacrifice flies and hit by pitches the Crusaders took a commanding 9-0 lead.​
The Warriors would see their first runs come across in the third inning after a pair of homers brought the game back to 9-3 but the Crusaders added four more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, including a two-run single by Alissa Gauthier, extending their lead to 13–3.
Jane Anderson earned the win for Madonna, improving her record to 12–4. She pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on three hits, with three walks and two strikeouts.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Dunkel would go 2-for-3 with two singles.
• Gauthier would go 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a double. 
• Fitzpatrick would go 1-for-2 with four RBIs and a double.
• Thomas would finish 2-for-3 with two singles.

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will be back in action Sunday, April 13th for Senior Day to take on Concordia University WHAC doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM. 

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