Softball Drops Both Games On Day 2 of NAIA Leadoff Tournament
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
|
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0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | X | 11 | 8 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
|
|
1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 2 |
(Rosemont, IL)-- After winning both games on day one of the NAIA Leadoff Tournament, The Cleary Cougars softball team ran into some top competition on day two.
In Game 1 vs. (RV) Olivet Nazarene: After both teams were held scoreless for the first two innings, ONU exploded for 9 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, and added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 4th to take an 11-0 lead. Cleary would be unable to mount the comback, and the game would end 11-0 after 5 innings.
Caitlynn Duffey (1-1)suffered the loss, allowing 4 runs on 2 hits through 2.1 innings. Alexis Beeson came in in relief, and allowed 7 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits. Cleary's offense was held in check, as they could only earn 3 hits in the game.
In Game 2 vs. #25 Saint Xavier: After Grace Pasterik singled and stole a base, Kate Currie would bring her home on a sacrifice bunt to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead. St. Xavier would tie the game in the top of the 3rd, but Cleary would bounce right back in the bottom half of the inning to answer. Grace Pasterik singled and stole a base, and advanced to third on a ground out to bring up Kate Currie. Currie would double home Pasterik to give Cleary a 2-1 lead, and Izzy Easton singled to bring Currie home, giving the Cougars a 3-1 advantage. St. Xavier would regain the lead in the top of the 4th, to make the score 4-3. After Jenna Wagenschutz singled, and advanced on a sacrifice, Mia Rzepka singled to score Wagenschutz to tie the game. St. Xavier would score a pair of runs in the top of the 5th to take a 6-4 lead, which they would be just enough to secure the victory. Cleary got one back when Mia Rzepka scored after stealing second, but the Cougars would not get the tying run across the plate.
Sonya Terleckyj (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits while striking out 6 in a complete game effort. Grace Pasterik led the Cleary offense with a 2/4 performance at the place.
Cleary is now 2-2 on the season. The Cougars will have a couple weeks off before heading south, as they will play in the Bear Creek Classic in Williamsburg, KY February 17-19.