Dylan Peabody

Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

FOND DU LAC, Wis. - The Marian softball team was involved in two exciting one-run games against the Alverno Inferno on Sunday, April 12, but finished on the wrong side of things as the Inferno swept the series. The Sabres were upset 2-1 in game one and 4-3 in game two.

"We didn't play very well offensively and that's something we really haven't had an issue with so far this season," Head coach Tony Draves said. "I thought we pitched okay and the defense was pretty good, but we needed some timely hits and we didn't get them."

The Sabres jumped out to a quick lead in game two as they were able to score in three-straight innings.

In the second inning Tana VandenHeuvel singled to the shortstop with the bases loaded to drive in Nicole LaBeck. Emily Gorges popped out to first to strand the bases loaded and end the threat.

The Sabres continued a successful attack in the third inning.                          

LaBeck singled to right field with two outs to spark the Sabre offense. Freshman infielder, Ashley Lobraco capitalized on the opportunity, doubling to center field to score LaBeck from first and put the Sabres on top 2-0.

Offense continued to click for the Sabres in the bottom of the fourth. Starting pitcher, Shannon Huray started the inning with a single. Freshman Cassidy Thiede came in to pinch run for Hurray and eventually scored on a two-out single by Gorges to increase the Sabre lead to three.

The Inferno answered the Sabres with three runs over the next two innings.

With one out in the top of the fifth and runners on first and third, right fielder Sam Kasprzak attempted to steal second and reached safely as Gabby D'Oronzo's throw went to the outfield and freshman Olivia Schneider came into score from third.

Schneider tied the game for the Inferno in the top of the sixth with a two-run home run, which ended the day for Huray.

Momentum had shifted to the Inferno with the game now tied, and in the top of the seventh they were in a groove. Alverno (18-10) had runners on first and second with one out when Ashlie Rossi doubled to the gap in right center to put the Inferno on top 4-3 and eventually seal the win.

In game one both offenses scored early as the Inferno had a 2-1 lead after one inning of play. Starting pitchers, Gorges and Erin Dulek cruised throughout the rest of the game, but it was Gorges who came away with loss. She is now 6-14 on the season.

The Sabres (9-21) have six days of rest before they welcome Wisconsin Lutheran to Smith Field for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 18. The games are set for a 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. start.