COLUMBUS, GA. -- Behind a historic performance and a momentum-shifting grand slam from
Jessica Dunkel, the top-seeded Crusaders punched its ticket to the NAIA National Championship game for the first time in program history with an 8-2 victory over No. 2 Southeastern University Tuesday afternoon at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia. The win marked Madonna's 51st victory of the season and kept the Crusaders unbeaten in the NAIA World Series.
Southeastern struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of an early Madonna error to grab a 1-0 lead. From there, however, the Crusaders settled in defensively while ace
Camille Oyer controlled the circle. Oyer improved to a perfect 24-0 on the season after tossing six strong innings, allowing just two runs on six hits while keeping the powerful Southeastern lineup off balance throughout the afternoon.
After a few early scoring opportunities were left stranded, Madonna broke through in the bottom of the third inning with one of the biggest swings in program history.
Faith Peschke started the rally with a walk before
Regan Finkbeiner reached on catcher's interference.
Ashley Rosiewicz then reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases for
Brynn Anteau, who delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
Faith Cramton followed with another single to reload the bases and bring
Jessica Dunkel to the plate.
Dunkel delivered in dramatic fashion.
On the first pitch she saw, Dunkel launched a grand slam over the left-field fence, sending the Madonna dugout into celebration and giving the Crusaders a commanding 5-1 advantage. The blast proved to be the defining moment of the game and shifted all momentum squarely in Madonna's favor as the Crusaders moved within striking distance of the national championship game.
Madonna continued to apply pressure late in the contest. In the sixth inning, Dunkel once again sparked the offense by drawing a walk before
Parker Gordon laid down a bunt single to put two runners aboard. Following a sacrifice bunt from
Chelsea Weatherford,
Faith Peschke ripped a two-run single up the middle to extend the lead to 7-1. Anteau later added another RBI single to cap off the three-run inning and push the Crusaders ahead 8-1.
Anteau led the offense with two hits and three RBI, while Peschke collected two hits and two RBI of her own. Dunkel's grand slam accounted for four RBI and highlighted Madonna's 10-hit performance.
Anna Battagin closed out the final inning in relief as the Crusaders secured the historic victory and officially earned their place in the NAIA National Championship game for the first time in school history.
Madonna will await the conclusion of a couple games to see who they will be facing tomorrow in the NAIA National Championship Title game. The title game is scheduled for 5pm tomorrow.
