FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Marian University softball team used a combination of strong defense and timely offense and swept MSOE 2-0 and 8-5 Thursday evening at Smith Field.

"Defensively we played really well, MU head coach Tony Draves said following the completion of game two. "Our pitchers, G (Emily Gorges) and Shannon (Huray) were great. You have to give MSOE credit because there were times that they were flat-out hitting the ball and hitting it hard. We stayed focus throughout both games and earned important conference wins."

In the series opener the Sabres (17-7, 6-2 NACC) relied on its all-conference talent, senior Emily Gorges (9-3), to shut the Raiders down. The New London, Wis. product pitched her ninth complete game of the year and allowed four hits, no runs and didn't walk a batter and fanned two.

Gorges made quick work of her opponents and only needed to throw 71 pitches, 49 of which were strikes.

Gorges also helped her cause on offense. Already leading 1-0 in the bottom of the third inning, Gorges drilled an RBI double to right field to extend the Sabres' lead to 2-0.

Freshman Olivia Hartley batted 1-for-3 with an RBI and scored a run.

The nightcap was the same story, just a different chapter, as MU used its offense to set the tone.

MSOE (4-12, 2-6 NACC) scored in the top of the first and led 1-0, however, in MU's half of the inning Gorges found a gap and two runs scored and the Sabres gained a 2-1 advantage.

The Blue and White loaded the bases in the third inning and senior Gabby D'Oronzo drew a bases-loaded walk to score a run. Junior Nicole LaBeck then cleared the bases and MU opened up a 6-1 lead.

MSOE rallied in the top of the sixth inning and cut the deficit to within one at 6-5, however, MU responded with a pair of runs in its half of the inning.

Shannon Huray (8-4) earned the win for the Sabres. The Little Chute, Wis. native tossed five innings and allowed nine hits, four runs and no walks. Gorges pitched the final two innings of relief.

Gorges and LaBeck each finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Sara Terrian batted 1-for-2 and drew two walks.

The Sabres prepare for a pivotal weekend in conference play. MU hosts CUW on Saturday and travel to Alverno on Sunday.

--FightBlueFight--