ROSEMONT, Ill. – Madonna Softball kept its unbeaten start intact Saturday morning, improving to 5-0 with a 7-2 win over #20 Indiana Wesleyan.
The Crusaders faced early adversity after Indiana Wesleyan struck first with a two-run home run in the top of the opening inning. Rather than panic, Madonna responded with composure and steady production at the plate while tightening things up defensively.
After getting on the board in the second inning, the Crusaders broke things open in the third.
Faith Peschke started the rally with a single, and
Avrey Wolverton helped her own cause with a hit to put two runners on.
Regan Finkbeiner then delivered the biggest swing of the morning, ripping a two-run triple to left field to give Madonna the lead.
Brynn Anteau followed with a sacrifice fly to bring Finkbeinr home, capping a three-run frame that shifted the momentum for good.
Madonna's lineup continued to apply pressure throughout the game, finishing with 13 hits.
Jessica Dunkel went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, while Finkbeiner drove in three runs and added a double to her stat line.
Ella Thomas chipped in two hits and two RBI, and Anteau added a pair of hits of her own. The Crusaders added two more runs in the fifth and another in the sixth to extend the advantage to 7-2.
In the circle, Wolverton settled in after the first inning and was dominant the rest of the way. The right-hander tossed a complete game, striking out 12 and allowing just five hits over seven innings. She retired the side in order in both the sixth and seventh innings, striking out the final three batters to close out the win. Madonna's defense backed her with a clean performance, committing no errors on the day.
With the victory, the Crusaders move to 5-0 on the season and continue to show their balance across the board — timely hitting, strong defense, and a commanding presence in the circle. Madonna will look to finish undefeated on the weekend as they will take on Indiana University at South Bend at 10:00 AM CST/11:00 AM EST.
