MELBOURNE, FL -- Madonna Softball continued its strong start to the season with an impressive performance on Saturday, defeating Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH) 13-1 in a neutral-site matchup at Space Coast Field in Melbourne, Florida.

The Crusaders wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating three runs in the opening inning. After Regan Finkbeiner reached base and advanced into scoring position, Ashley Rosiewicz drove in the game's first run before Brynn Anteau launched a two-run home run to give Madonna an early 3-0 advantage.

Mount Vernon Nazarene answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to 3-1, but Madonna quickly responded with a big third inning. The Crusaders capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting to push across four runs. Faith Cramton and Ella Thomas each drove in runs during the rally, while Olivia Salinas and Chelsea Weatherford added RBI singles to extend the lead to 7-1.

Madonna continued to build on its momentum in the fourth inning. After Rosiewicz and Anteau reached base, Thomas delivered a clutch extra-base hit that brought home two more runs and pushed the Crusaders' lead to 9-1.

The Crusaders put the game firmly out of reach in the fifth inning with another offensive surge. Finkbeiner highlighted the inning with a two-run double, while Anteau and McKenna Moore each added RBIs to cap off a four-run frame and secure the 13-1 victory.

Madonna's offense was firing on all cylinders throughout the game, finishing with 14 hits. Anteau led the way with a perfect four-hit performance that included a home run and three RBIs, while Rosiewicz also had a standout day with three hits and three runs scored. Finkbeiner, Thomas, and Salinas each contributed key hits during the Crusaders' offensive outburst.

In the circle, Avrey Wolverton delivered a strong start, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out three across four innings to earn the win. Anna Battagin came on in relief to close out the game as Madonna secured the run-rule victory.

With the win, the Crusaders continued their impressive early-season run while showcasing a balanced performance both at the plate and in the circle during their trip to Florida. The Crusaders will face Judson University at 4:45 PM later today looking to go undefeated on day one of their 2026 spring break trip.