(Brighton, Mich.) After two weeks since taking the field for the first time in 2020, the Cardinals returned to action for a triple header. The Cardinals competed at the Legacy Center for three games with one contest recorded as an exhibition. The Cardinal defeated St. Mary's College 5-0 and Miami Ohio Hamilton while also defeating Jackson College 20-0 and the exhibition.
Game 1 | Friday, February 14th | 7am
Concordia 5 – St. Mary's 0
The Cardinals showed no signs of rust jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Lindsey Ryba recorded a one out double before Megan Laib (SR/Tinley Park, IL) launched a double the next at bat scoring Ryba. Melanie Richardson (SR/Livonia, MI) put the exclamation point on the inning with a 2-run home run to deep left field.
The Cardinals cruised from their with pitcher Maddie Ciezcka leading the way. Ciezcka worked quickly and found her rhythm early. In five innings, Ciezcka only allowed two hits while striking out four and walked none.
The Cardinals added two runs in the sixth inning to increase their lead. Richardson score an unearned run to make it 4-0 followed by an RBI single from Natalie Shawl (SO/Metamora, MI) to score Lauren Reichel (SO/Onsted, MI).
Peyton Grice (FR/Sanford, MI) relieved Cieczka in the last two innings and was equally effective. Grice did not allow a hit or run facing six batters to secure the shutout.
Game 2 | Friday, February 14th | 11am
Concordia 20 – Jackson College 0 – (Recorded as an exhibition game)
Game 3 | Friday, February 14th | 1pm
Concordia 6 – Miami Hamilton 1
Melanie Richardson continue her aggressive approach leading the Cardinals in the 6-1 win over Miami Hamilton. Richardson led off the game with a double and later scored on an error after attempting to steal third base.
The Cardinals added 4 runs in the 2nd inning to increase their lead 5-1. Back to back doubles by Carly Pearson (SR/San Diego, CA) and Lauren Reichel put the Cardinals on the board early. Another RBI by Richardson increased the Cardinals lead 3-1. Ryba and Bryan recorded RBIs scoring Annie Leiding (SR/Barrington, IL) and Richardson.
Miami Hamilton avoided the shutout in the 4th inning but was not enough for a comeback. The Cardinals added to their total in the 5th inning on an RBI single by Megan Hinkle (JR/Aurora, IL) scoring Lauren Reichel.
Melanie Richardson picked up the win in the circle with 6 strong innings of work. Richardson only allowed six scattered hits while striking out six.
The Cardinals improved their overall mark to 6-2 and will return to action on March 7th for their home opener against Miami Hamilton.
