ROSEMONT, Ill. – Madonna Softball wasted no time setting the tone Saturday morning, erupting for seven runs in the first two innings on the way to a dominant 10-1 in victory five innings over Indiana South Bend.
The Crusaders struck immediately in the top of the first when
Ashley Rosiewicz launched a solo home run to left field to open the scoring. Madonna continued to apply pressure on the basepaths, with
Regan Finkbeiner swiping second before coming around to score. Capitalizing on defensive miscues by the Titans, the Crusaders plated three runs in the opening frame to seize early control.
Madonna's offense turned it up even more in the second inning, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring four runs on six hits.
Brynn Anteau delivered a two-RBI single up the middle, Rylee Fitzpatri added an RBI knock, and
Jessica Dunkel followed with another run-scoring single to push the advantage to 7-0. The relentless approach at the plate kept Indiana South Bend on its heels all morning.
The Crusaders added two more in the third inning behind a clutch two-run double from
Izzy MacCaughan, and tacked on another run in the fourth when
Parker Gordon brought a runner home with a sacrifice fly. In total, Madonna racked up 14 hits, with
Chelsea Weatherford leading the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and two runs scored. Finkbeiner collected two hits and scored twice, while multiple Crusaders contributed RBI in a balanced offensive showing.
In the circle,
Camille Oyer was sharp from the start, tossing four shutout innings and allowing just one hit while striking out two. She kept the Titans off balance and worked efficiently through the lineup.
Courtney Ludescher closed out the final inning, limiting the damage to just one unearned run as Madonna secured the run-rule victory.
With the win, the Crusaders continued their strong start to the season, showcasing explosive offense and steady pitching in a complete team performance. The Crusaders will look to continue their dominance when they are back in action on February 21, 2026 through February 22, 2026. Madonna will be taking part in the Ambrose Dome Tournament in Saint Ambrose, Iowa. First game will be against Mount Mercy University at 10:45 AM CST/11:45 AM EST.