(Brighton, Mich.) The Concordia softball team began their 2021 season with a three game series at the Legacy Center. The Cardinals squared off against Clarke University in a double header Thursday night and then played Saint Xavier on Friday afternoon. Making their first appearance on the diamond since their shortened season last spring, the Cardinals came out aggressive defeating Clarke 9-1 in a 5 inning game. The Cardinals split with Clarke falling in game two (5-2) as that game was called after five innings due to time. In closely contested afternoon matinee with nationally ranked Saint Xavier the Cardinals lost 2-0.
Game 1 CUAA 9, Clarke 1 (5 innings)
Clarke came out aggressively to start the game recording the first run. A leadoff walk followed by a stolen base put the Pride in scoring position. An RBI eventually scored the lead-off hitter for the Pride.
Lauren Reichel settled in after the first inning and cruised the rest of the way. Reichel recorded a complete game five innings striking out seven while only allowing two hits. The Cardinals followed her lead recording nine runs on ten hits.
Emma Paryaski and Shannon McAlinden paced the Cardinals offensively recording two hits and two RBIs. Six other Cardinals recorded hits in a balanced attack as eight Cardinals also scored a run.
Game 2 CUAA 3, Clarke 5 (5 innings)
A pitching dual ensued in game two as Maddie Cieczka and Abigail Huseman kept hitters guessing. Clarke found the scoreboard first in the top of the fifth inning and exploded for five runs. The Cardinals responded in the bottom of the frame with three runs. Carly Pearson double to deep right center to score Megan Hinkle for the Cardinals first run. Singles by Koryn Playford and Lauren Martin also recorded singles to score Jada Stephenson and Playford.
The game was called due to time after the fifth inning.
The Cardinals top of the lineup paced the Cardinals offensively with Pearson and Playford both going 2-3 with a run and an RBI. The Cardinals left six runners on base.
Game 3 CUAA 0, Saint Xavier 2
The Cardinals showed the elite team they can be going toe-to-toe with the nationally ranked Cougars of Saint Francis. Lauren Reichel continued her command from the night before limiting the explosive Cougars lineup to only three hits. A two-run home run in the top of the seventh by the Cougars was the difference as the Cardinals fell 2-0.
Abbie Begley (2), Sarah Tyrrell, and Karley Kent recorded the Cardinals four hits. The Cardinals struggled to have base runners consistently as the Cougars starter Laila Summer pitched effectively through five innings.
Reichel also totaled four strikeouts which now give her a team leading 11 through two appearances.
What's next
The Cardinals will remain indoors for their next appearance. The Cardinals will travel to Illinois next weekend as they participate in the Rosemont Dome Tournament.
*The Cardinals first game on Friday, Jan 29th vs. Clarke did not meet NAIA requirements for a countable game as only 4 innings were finished.
