DEFIANCE, Ohio – Madonna softball opened its doubleheader against Defiance College in dominant fashion, rolling to an 18–2 victory Friday afternoon at Defiance High School.
The Crusaders set the tone early, scoring in the first inning before erupting for four runs in the second. Ashley Rosiewicz provided the big swing with a three-run home run, helping Madonna build a quick 5–0 advantage.
Madonna continued to apply pressure in the third, adding three more runs behind timely hitting, including a two-RBI double from Rosiewicz to extend the lead to 8–0.
The offense broke the game wide open in the fourth inning with a nine-run outburst. Faith Cramton highlighted the inning with a solo home run, while Olivia Salinas, Payden Whitmore, and Ella Thomas each drove in runs as the Crusaders piled on to take a commanding 17–0 lead.
Madonna added one more run in the fifth, while Defiance managed two runs in the bottom half, but the outcome was never in doubt.
The Crusaders finished with 17 hits in the contest, led by Rosiewicz, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and six RBIs. Regan Finkbeiner had a big day at the top of the lineup, scoring five runs and adding two hits, while Whitmore contributed three hits and two RBIs. Thomas also added two hits and two RBIs in the win.
In the circle, Camille Oyer earned the win, improving to 14–0 after throwing three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit while striking out three. Sara Austin pitched the final two innings in relief.
With the win, Madonna improved to 37–4 on the season, using a powerful offensive performance to take game one of the doubleheader.
Game Two:
Madonna carried that momentum into game two, completing the doubleheader sweep with a 4–0 shutout victory over Defiance College.
The Crusaders struck first in the opening inning, as Rylee Fitzpatrick delivered an RBI single to bring home Regan Finkbeiner for the early 1–0 lead. From there, Madonna settled into a more controlled, pitching-driven game after the offensive explosion in game one.
Madonna added insurance in the fifth inning, again sparked by Fitzpatrick. The sophomore came through with an RBI double before later scoring on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 3–0. The Crusaders tacked on one final run in the seventh inning when Payden Whitmore drove in a run on a groundout to cap the scoring at 4–0.
Fitzpatrick led the offense with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Jessica Dunkel added two hits, including a triple, while Ashley Rosiewicz and Brynn Anteau each contributed a hit as part of Madonna's nine-hit effort.
In the circle, the Crusaders were dominant. Laci Harris got the start and tossed three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. Anna Battagin was sharp in relief, earning the win after throwing four shutout innings and allowing just one hit while striking out three.
Madonna's pitching staff combined to limit Defiance to just four hits while keeping the Yellow Jackets off the scoreboard for the entire game.
With the win, the Crusaders improved to 38–4 on the season, completing the doubleheader sweep with a balanced performance on both sides of the game.
