LOVES PARK, Ill. – Marian University softball (7-12, 2-6 NACC) defeated Rockford 6-2 before falling 6-3 in a NACC doubleheader.
The Sabres were able to jump all over the Regents to open the twin bill scoring all six of their runs in the first three innings of game one. Freshman Kerena Wood opened the scoring for the game with a run-producing double in the first. Senior Melanie Weigel then drove in a pair of runs with a single to give Marian a 3-0 lead before Rockford even touched the bats.
The Regents were able to plate a run in the first before a double from sophomore Kaley Ludvigsen extended the Sabre lead to 4-1. A wild pitch in the third saw sophomore Evelynn Spaeth touch home before Rockford concluded the scoring with a run in the third.
Junior Emalee Depa (5-5) struck out four hitters earning a complete-game victory in the circle. Weigel finished with three hits and a pair of runs driven in to lead three hitters who had multi-hit games.
One rough inning proved to be the difference in game two as Rockford was able to salvage a split. Marian was able to once again score in the first off of a double from Weigel. Sophomore Katelyn Matenaer gave the Sabres a 2-0 lead with a double of her own in the second.
The Regents were able to tie the game scoring a run in the second and third innings. Then in the fifth, Rockford was able to score four runs and take a 6-2 advantage. Marian was able to get the tying run to the plate in the seventh after Depa drove in a run, but the two-out Sabre rally fell short.
Matenaer paced the offense going 3-for-4 atop the Marian lineup.
Marian travels to No. 17 MSOE for a 2 p.m. twin bill Wednesday, April 13 in NACC action.
