(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Cardinal softball came into Saturday's games looking to rebound following dropping two games to teams that were receiving votes in the preseason NAIA poll. The Cardinals on day-2 of the tournament would go up against Northwestern followed by Bethel (IN). The Northwestern Red Raiders would enter the game with a 3-0 record, while the Pilots from Bethel entered with a 1-0, 0-1 record.
GAME 1 - CONCORDIA 2, NORTHWESTERN 4
After a quick first inning from both sides, CUAA was able to strike first in the top of the second inning. Madison Poe would start the inning with a double and would advance to third following a wild pitch. Jada Stephenson would bring in the first run of the day with a single to left center field.
The teams would be quiet again until the fourth inning when Katie Tobias singled to left field and advanced on an error. Tobias would wind up scoring as Caitlyn Traviglia was caught stealing at second. The two-run lead would not last long as the Red Raiders would score 4 runs to take the lead in the game. Northwestern would combine a couple of hits with stolen bases in order to score the 4 runs.
The Cardinals would threaten in the fifth inning but only 1 baserunner would reach in the final three innings.
Three pitchers would combine to pitch 7 innings. Paige Anderson would get the start going the first 3.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs. Elyse Brittain would take the loss, after 1 inning pitched, with 1 strikeout. The final pitcher would be Kendall Kahl with 1.1 innings and 1 strikeout.
GAME 2 - CONCORDIA 6, BETHEL (IN) 5
Bethel jumped out to a 5 run lead over the first two innings taking advantage of singles pieced together, but that would be all the scoring for the Pilots in the game. The Cardinals offense was able to grab their first run in the 3 after a Stephenson triple that brought home Bella Lee.
Two more runs crossed the plate in the fifth for CUAA when Poe doubled with Payton Lewis and Koryn Playford coming across the plate. Playford would once again this time bringing in Shannon McAlinden on a single.
The seventh inning would feature Olivia Sieradzki doubling to begin the inning, followed by Poe singling. The next play saw Poe steal second and then Dee Campbell bunted for a single to score the pinch runner Katie Tobias. With the score tied McAlinden would lay down another bunt and singled to bring home the winning run in Poe.
Kiley Weiderman started the game going 1.1 innings, not allowing a hit, but giving up four runs on 4 walks. Cassidy Kane pitched 4.1 innings in relief allowing 6 hits, giving up 1 run, while striking three batters out. The final pitcher would be Kendall Kahl who earned the win over the final 1.1 innings.
TOP PERFORMERS
Poe would pace the hitting end with 4 hits in her seven at bats with 2 runs, 2 doubles, and an RBI. McAlinden grabbed three hits in the win, with a run and an RBI. Jada Stephenson was able to hit a triple as she brought in two runs.
Kahl led the day pitching 2.2 innings, not allowing a hit and grabbing the win, while striking out 2 batters. Kassidy Kane would pitch 4.1 innings with a 1.62 ERA and 3 Ks.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals will play their final two games of the Rosemont Dome Tournament tomorrow, February 5 as they will go up against Saint Xavier again at 9 AM, before rounding out the tournament at 11:15 AM against Roosevelt.
