Dylan Peabody 

Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant 

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Marian University softball team started the day off strong at the Tucson Invitational Games with a convincing 8-4 win against NCAA Division II opponent Minnesota-Crookston. 

The Sabres followed the win with a 12-2 setback to Denison University to put them at 3-5 so far in the tournament. 

The Sabre bats got off to a quick start in game one. After Tana VandenHeuvel doubled with one out in the inning, starting pitcher Emily Gorges put the Sabres on the board with a two-run home run. 

The Golden Eagles (2-11) were able to get one of their own in the bottom of the first with help from a hit batter and Sabre error. 

A strong third inning for the Sabres (4-8) helped secure a healthy lead. 

After two walks by starting pitcher the Sabres had back-to-back hits from Gorges and Sara Terrian to jump on top 6-2. 

The Sabres tacked on two more runs in the final four innings to come away with their fourth win of the year. 

It was a different story in game two for the Sabres. A five run second inning by the Big Red (4-2) drained Sabres momentum. 

The Sabres drove in only two runs in the game as VandenHeuvel and Gorges each had one RBI. 

The Tucson Invitational comes to end for the Sabres tomorrow as they finish off with games against Dubuque and Dickinson State. Game one starts at 1 p.m. CST.