FOND DU LAC, Wis. – She's only a freshman, but by the time Lindsey Strainis leaves the Marian University softball program the shortstop may well be above folk hero status.

Strainis, who delivered a two-out walk-off single in extras Saturday against Benedictine, hit a hard chopper past the Aurora third basemen and senior Gabby D'Oronzo trotted home to give the Sabres a 6-5 comeback win over the Spartans.

"It was a déjà vu moment, that's for sure," Strainis said following the game. "I took the same approach as yesterday and that's just to put the ball in play and put the pressure on their (Aurora) defense and thankfully it worked."

For head coach Tony Draves, these type of finishes will likely add gray hair, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I really think we hit the ball well and had great at-bats throughout the lineup," Draves said. "Lindsey, and all of our freshmen have grown significantly and they have the mindset that they've been around here for a while. Lindsey works hard and she is always trying to get better and hone her craft. She deserves the success she's having."

AU (28-8, 17-1 NACC) scored three times in the top of the first and gained early momentum. After a scoreless second inning it was another freshman, this time Olivia Hartley who delivered in the clutch. The Waterford, Wis. product belted a solo home run to right field and brought the Sabres to within 3-1.

Both team traded runs in the fourth inning and the Spartans led 4-2 to start the fifth.

Senior Emily Gorges recorded an RBI single to left field and junior Sara Terrian singled up the middle to score a pair of runs and MU led 5-4, its first lead of the day. AU tied the game in the top of the sixth before Strainis' heroics in the bottom of the seventh.

Gorges earned the victory in the circle. She tossed a complete game and allowed nine hits, five runs (two earned) and one walk.

Strainis finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored. Hartley, D'Oronzo and Nicole LaBeck each picked up a pair of hits.

AU got the best of MU in the series opener and defeated the Sabres 14-4 (5 Innings).

MU (20-14, 9-9 NACC) plays host to UW-Oshkosh Tuesday at 3 p.m. and travel to Wisconsin Lutheran Friday. The Sabres closeout the regular season Sunday against Edgewood and the program will honor its seniors. 

--FightBlueFight--