MELBOURNE, FL – Madonna softball dropped a matchup against St. Francis (Ill.) on March 8 at the Space Coast Complex, falling 7–1 despite collecting nine hits on the afternoon.

The Crusaders threatened early, recording hits in several of the opening innings, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Regan Finkbeiner and Faith Cramton each recorded multiple hits early to keep pressure on the St. Francis defense.

The game remained scoreless through the first three innings before St. Francis broke through in the fourth. The Fighting Saints used a string of hits combined with defensive miscues to score five runs in the inning and take control of the game.

St. Francis added another run in the fifth inning and one more in the sixth to extend the lead. Madonna finally broke through in the sixth when Brynn Anteau and Cramton each reached base before Jessica Dunkel delivered an RBI single to bring home Anteau and cut the deficit to 6–1.

Offensively, Cramton led the Crusaders with three hits while Anteau added two hits and scored the team's lone run. Finkbeiner also collected two hits as Madonna finished with nine hits in the contest.

Madonna utilized three pitchers in the game, with Sara Austin making the start before Laci Harris and Anna Battagin appeared in relief.

Despite the loss, the Crusaders continued to show offensive consistency throughout their Florida trip, repeatedly putting runners on base against a strong St. Francis squad.

Madonna will be back in action again tomorrow when they begin day three of their spring break trip with RV Dordt University at 12:15 PM and then RV Coastal Georgia at 4:45 PM.