Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Softball team hosted the Ottawa Braves for a doubleheader on Wednesday, resulting in a 3-2 win and a 7-5 loss. The Spires are now 26-18 overall and 15-7 in conference play.

Game One

After a scoreless two innings to open the game, Ottawa struck first in the top of the third, capitalizing on errors by the Spires. Saint Mary answered in the bottom of the fourth, with a clutch single from Sadie McWilliams brought in two runs, tying the game at 2-2. A strong pitching performance from Grace Rose ensured that the game remained deadlocked heading into the later innings. In the top of the sixth inning, Ottawa threatened to break the tie, but the Spires' defense held firm. Jessica Strandlund and Alexis McDaniel got into scoring position with back-to-back singles. McDaniel then stole third and a throwing error allowed her to advance and score, putting the Spires ahead 3-2. With the lead in hand, outstanding pitching by Rose in the seventh prevented Ottawa from mounting a comeback and gave Saint Mary the 3-2 win. 

Game Two

Similar to the first, game two brought a closely contested matchup, bringing things down to the wire and keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final out. Saint Mary wasted no time getting on the board first. With a walk and aggressive base running by Audrey Spellman, she was put in position for the first run of the game. The Braves took the lead in the top of the fifth inning, capitalizing on errors to take a 3-1 lead. Saint Mary was unable to provide an answer, and the Braves extended their lead in the top of the sixth inning to make the game 7-1. However, the Spires didn't go down without a fight, coming within two runs after RBIs from McWilliams and Spellman made it a 7-5 ball game. Saint Mary eventually came up short despite their efforts, losing game two 7-5.

Up Next

The Spires will travel to take on the York Panthers for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday in York, Nebraska.