MILWAUKEE (SabreAthletics.com) – Behind efficient offense and a stellar pitching, the Marian University softball team outscored host MSOE by a combined score of 20-4 in a Northern Athletics Conference doubleheader sweep at MSOE Athletic Field, this afternoon, April 14.

The Sabres pounded out a combined 21 hits, including 13 in game two to take home wins of 12-1 and 8-3, respectively, to snap a four-game losing streak. Pitchers Emily Gorges and Brooke Koechell kept the Raider offense at bay by combining to strike out 12 batters on the day.

Marian improved to 5-15 overall, 3-5 in the NAC with the wins, while MSOE dropped to 2-18 (0-12 NAC).

In game one, a four-run second inning set the tone for the Sabres. Marian took advantage of three walks in the inning before Brie Hechimovich cleared the bases with a triple to right center, making the score 4-0.

Gorges sat down the Raider lineup in order the first time through and then the offense backed her even more. A three-run fourth inning made it 7-0. Gabby D'Oronzo and Amber Johnson provided RBI singles in the rally.

MSOE threatened in its half of the fourth as Sam Herold recorded the team's first base hit with a lead off single to left. The next batter singled as well, but Gorges would retire the next three batters in order to keep the shutout intact.

After five more runs made the score 12-0 in the sixth, the Raider offense produced their lone run with a Herold single through the right side, scoring Alyssa Brueser, who led off the inning with a triple.

Herold led her team with four hits on the day, recording two in each contest.

In game two, the Sabres cracked the scoreboard first once again with a three-run third inning. All three runs scored with two outs in the inning. Four straight singles supplied the damage and the Sabres took advantage of a costly error as well.

Two runs came around on D'Oronzo's single that got under the glove of the right fielder, allowing the second run in Jansen to score. D'Oronzo then came around on Johnson's single after reaching third base on the aforementioned miscue.

MSOE got two back with one in the fourth and another in the sixth to make it a 3-2 game. The Raiders had a chance to add on in the fourth when Gorges came on in relief of the starter Koechell. The freshman pitcher inherited the bases loaded with two outs before getting Brueser looking on strikes to end the threat.

The offense provided some much-needed insurance in the top of the seventh by batting around and breaking open a 3-2 game. The Sabres tacked on five runs after taking advantage of four walks and an error to make it 8-2. MSOE would add one run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Marian lead proved too much to overcome.

Gorges picked up wins in both games to move to 4-11 on the season.

The Sabres will be back in action Wednesday, April 17 as they play host to Wisconsin Lutheran College in what hopes to finally be the home opener at Smith Fields, weather pending, of course. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.