MELBOURNE, FL – Madonna softball bounced back after an early deficit to earn a 6–2 victory over Avila on March 8, using timely hitting and a dominant performance in the circle to secure the win.

Avila struck first in the opening inning, plating two runs on a double and an RBI single to take an early lead. The Crusaders quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning when Regan Finkbeiner reached base, stole second, and later scored on an RBI groundout by Brynn Anteau to cut the deficit to 2–1.

Madonna took control in the third inning with a three-run rally. Faith Peschke and Finkbeiner reached to start the inning before Ashley Rosiewicz was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Anteau delivered the big hit with a two-RBI single, giving the Crusaders their first lead of the game. Faith Cramton followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home another run and extend the advantage to 4–2.

The Crusaders added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Finkbeiner reached again and eventually scored on another RBI groundout by Anteau in the fifth. In the sixth inning, Rylee Fitzpatrick singled and later came around to score after a defensive miscue and a sacrifice fly from Olivia Salinas to push the lead to 6–2.

In the circle, Avrey Wolverton delivered a strong outing for Madonna. Wolverton tossed a complete game, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out nine batters to earn the win.

Finkbeiner led the Crusaders offensively with two hits and three runs scored, while Anteau drove in four runs to power the Madonna lineup. With the win, the Crusaders continued their strong play during their Florida trip, combining solid pitching with timely offense to secure another victory.