FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Marian University softball team prevailed in its home-opener with a convincing 5-2 and 9-1 series sweep over regional rival Ripon Tuesday evening at Smith Fields.

MU head coach Tony Draves credits defense and the leadership of the upperclassmen as significant factors in the pair of wins.

"Defensively we were really good," Draves said. "We are athletic in the infield and our outfield is smart and was pleased with their efforts. I was happy with the seniors. There is a reason why you have seniors, they come out and play and allow you to sit back and relax a bit."

In the series opener, it was senior Emily Gorges (6-2, 2.75 ERA) who provided the Sabres with a sense of security – in the circle and in the batter's box.

Gorges went the distance and allowed six hits, two runs and two walks and struck out two batters. In the bottom of the third the New London, Wis. product drilled a 2-run home run to center field. Fellow senior Gabby D'Oronzo followed that up with an RBI single up the middle and Sabres led 3-0 after three innings of play.

Freshman Rachel Soch scored on an error in the bottom of the fourth and Gorges added an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth.

In game two the offense exploded and put RC (0-12) in an early hole.

Sara Terrian and Gorges each added RBIs in the bottom of the first to give the Sabres a 2-0 advantage.

However, it was in the second inning where the Blue and White did its damage. Freshman Olivia Hartley hit a grand slam to center field to blow the game open and the Sabres led 9-0 after two innings.

From there junior Shannon Huray put the clamps down.

The Little Chute, Wis. native tossed five innings and allowed five hits, one run (unearned) and walked three and fanned one.

MU (11-5) opens Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play Saturday at noon against MSOE. 

--FightBlueFight