MELBOURNE, FL – In a matchup between two nationally ranked programs, No. 6 Madonna softball held off No. 12 St. Thomas for a hard-fought 4–3 victory Wednesday afternoon.

The Crusaders struck first in the bottom of the opening inning when Regan Finkbeiner reached base and eventually came around to score, giving Madonna an early 1–0 advantage.

Both pitching staffs settled in after the early run, with Madonna pitcher Sara Austin keeping the Bobcats' offense in check through the middle innings. The Crusaders extended their lead in the fifth inning when Finkbeiner worked a walk and later scored on an RBI single from Ashley Rosiewicz. Moments later, Faith Cramton brought home another run with a sacrifice play to give Madonna a 3–0 lead.

St. Thomas responded in the sixth inning with a three-run home run from Bailey LeGere that tied the game at 3–3 and set up a dramatic finish.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Crusaders manufactured the winning run. Finkbeiner and Rosiewicz both reached base to start the inning before advancing into scoring position. After a flyout moved the runners along, Rylee Fitzpatrick reached on a defensive miscue that allowed Finkbeiner to score the go-ahead run and give Madonna the 4–3 lead.

Austin returned to the circle in the top of the seventh and shut the door, completing a strong outing to secure the win. The right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing four hits and striking out six.

Finkbeiner led the Crusaders offensively with two hits and three runs scored, while Rosiewicz added two hits and an RBI. Madonna finished with six hits in the game and played error-free defense in the tightly contested matchup.

With the victory, the Crusaders improved to 17–1 on the season and secured a statement win over a fellow nationally ranked opponent.