MELBOURNE, FL – Madonna softball used a pair of big early innings to power past Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 9–4 on March 12, finishing its strong run during the 2026 spring break trip.

The Crusaders got on the board in the first inning, taking advantage of early opportunities to grab a 1–0 lead. Madonna then broke the game open in the second inning with a four-run outburst. After Faith Peschke drove in a run with a single, Ashley Rosiewicz delivered the biggest swing of the inning, launching a three-run home run to put the Crusaders ahead 5–0.

Madonna continued to build on its lead in the fourth inning. Regan Finkbeiner sparked the offense once again, eventually scoring on an RBI single from Rosiewicz. Faith Cramton followed with an RBI single of her own to extend the lead to 7–0.

Olivet Nazarene responded in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to cut into the deficit. The Crusaders answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, as Finkbeiner delivered an RBI single and Rosiewicz added another RBI knock to push the lead to 9–3.

The Tigers added one more run in the sixth inning, but Madonna's pitching staff held firm the rest of the way to secure the 9–4 victory.

Rosiewicz led the Crusaders offensively with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs. Finkbeiner added two hits and scored twice, while Cramton and Rylee Fitzpatrick each contributed RBIs as Madonna totaled eight hits and drew seven walks in the game.

In the circle, Laci Harris earned the win, working into the fifth inning before Anna Battagin came on in relief to close out the game.

With the win, the Crusaders improved to 18–1 on the season, continuing to showcase a balanced attack and timely hitting throughout their spring break trip.