Dylan Peabody

Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Marian softball team capitalized on an opportunity to gain some ground in the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference by sweeping the Lakeland Muskies in a double-header Wednesday afternoon at Smith Fields. The Sabres won game one 2-1 in walk-off fashion and won two 8-4 behind a solid offensive performance.

"We got off to a rough start in conference, but if you want to start to climb the ladder you have to sweep teams," Head coach Tony Draves said. "I thought our kids were very resilient today and they capitalized in some big situations to help us gain some ground in the conference."

With game one tied at one in the bottom of the seventh, Emily Gorges doubled to left center to score Tana VandenHeuvel to clinch the walk-off win.

Gorges (6-10) also pitched a gem for the Sabres. The 5-foot-7 junior went the distance and allowed only one run.

Offense picked up for both teams in game two and it was the Sabres who got it started in the bottom of the fifth.

Rachel Andres put Marian on the board when she hit an RBI single to center that scored Cassidy Thiede from second. After Gabby D'Oronzo scored on a passed ball, Tiffany Castillo drove home Andres from third.

Gorges capped off the inning with an RBI double that scored VandenHeuvel to put the Sabres up 4-0.

The Muskies went on a run of their own in the bottom of the fifth, answering with four runs to tie the game.

D'Oronzo rekindled the Sabres' offensive attack in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single. Andres increased the lead with her second RBI of the game and sixth of the year with a single up the middle.

Castillo and VandenHeuvel tacked on two more runs for Marian to finish the inning and give the Sabres a four-run lead going into the top of the seventh.

Gorges, who came on in relief in the sixth, finished the game by retiring the side to pick up her second win of the night.

Shannon Huray started the game hot, holding the Muskies scoreless in the first five innings, but came away with the no decision.

The Sabres go back to work on Saturday, April 11, with a double-header at Concordia Wisconsin. Game times are set for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.