ROSEMONT, Ill. – Marian University softball (5-6, 0-2 NACC) was defeated 11-3 in six innings and 4-1 by Dominican to open NACC play.
The Sabres were able to get out to a good start to the doubleheader with freshman Kerena Wood driving in a run in the top of the first inning. Dominican had a response in the next half inning and took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Marian answered in the next half inning with sophomore Evelynn Spaeth tying the game with a sacrifice fly. A double steal then saw Wood score and put Marian ahead 3-2. This lead was short lived, however, as the Stars scored five runs in the sixth and four more in the sixth to end the game early.
The Marian defense committed four errors in the defeat leading to only five of the 11 runs being earned. Junior Kaley Ludvigsen had a multi-hit game going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
The defense for Marian had another tough game to close out the doubleheader committing a pair of errors that led to only one earned run. Dominican scored a pair of unearned runs in the second and then scored another two runs in the fourth to build a 4-0 lead. Marian threatened in the sixth with sophomore Katelyn Matenaer drawing a bases-loaded walk to put the Sabres on the board. This would be all Marian would manage as a lineout in the next at-bat ended the inning.
Senior Cailie Pliner tossed the final 4.0 innings striking out five hitters.
Marian travels to Benedictine Sunday, April 3 for a 2 p.m. twin bill where the Sabres will be the home team.
