(Rosemont, IL) The Cardinals concluded their last day at the NAIA Leadoff Classic Tournament with a split. The Cardinals dropped Saturday's first game to Saint Xavier University, 3-1 and rebounded to defeat the University of St. Francis later in the evening. The Cardinals finished the tournament 4-2 to begin their 2020 campaign.
Game 1 | Saturday, February 1st | 2pm
Concordia 1 – Saint Xavier University 3
All the scoring action happened in the first inning. The Cardinals got on the board first thanks to a Megan Laib (SR/Tinley Park, IL) double to left field scoring Tyffani Bryan (SR/Tecumseh, MI). Bryan's hustle and smart basing running allowed her to score from first after her walk.
Saint Xavier quickly responded leading off the bottom of the frame with a single. Saint Xavier would go on to score three runs on four hits.
The Cardinals struggled to generate any offense after the first inning. Madison Donaldson (FR/Trenton, MI) recorded the team's only other hit in the second inning but the Cardinals failed to cross home plate.
Kate Elias (FR/Oak Forest, IL) pitched a complete game for the Cardinals. The freshman allowed three runs on nine hits and struck out one batter. .
Game 2 | Saturday, Feb. 1st | 8:45 AM
Concordia 8 – St. Francis (IN) 4
After several hours to rest and regroup, the Cardinals faced the University of St. Francis (IN), in the tournament finale. The Cardinals exploded for seven runs in the third inning to defeat the Cougars, 804
Lauren Reichel (SO/Onsted, MI) took to the circle for the Cardinals once again and despite surrendering a run in the first inning, settled in to secure the win. After back to back lead off singles by the Tyffani Bryan and Lyndsey Ryba (SO/Hillman, MI) to start the bottom of the first inning, the Cardinals used small ball to get on the board. Megan Laib and Madison Donaldson laid down consecutive bunts to score the Cardinals first run and even the game 1-1.
The Cardinals took the lead for good in the third inning exploding for seven runs on seven hits while taking advantage of three Cougars errors. Natalie Shawl (SO/Metamora, MI) singled to start the inning and quickly advanced to second on a throwing error. The Cardinals would bat around the order with Tyffani Bryan putting the exclamation point on the inning with a 2-run single to center field scoring Grace Majeran (JR/Queen Creek, AZ) and Kassidy Grandorff (SR/Rochester, WA).
The Cougars attempted a comeback in the top of the fourth inning but the Cardinals pitching and defense would remain solid. The Cougars scored three runs to chip away at the Cardinals lead but would remain scoreless the last three innings.
Maddie Cieczka (SO/Cudahy, WI) relieved Reichel in the seventh inning to preserve the Cardinals win. Cieczka only allowed a hit and a walk while striking out a batter.
The Cardinals improve their overall mark on the young season to 4-2. The Cardinals return to action next Friday morning at the Legacy Center in Brighton, MI. The Cardinals will begin the day early with a matchup against St. Mary's at 7am before facing Jackson College in an exhibition at 11am. The Cardinals will conclude the day at 1pm against Miami-Hamilton.
