MILWAUKEE - A fast start propelled No. 6 Marian University softball (27-14, 13-9 NACC) to a 7-6 win over No. 3 MSOE to open the NACC Tournament.

The Sabre bats were patient to open the game and used two walks and a hit by pitch to start the game with three runs.  Freshman Gianna Esposito opened the scoring with a single through the left side that scored sophomore Lindsey Strainis before a single from Senior Terrian plated Esposito and senior Nicole LaBeck.  A solo home run in the bottom of the first from MSOE cut into the Sabre lead but Marian was able to extend their lead in the fourth.

Sophomore Olivia Hartley drove a double to left center to score Terrian, which was followed by a one-out double from fellow sophomore Rachel Soch to score Hartley and senior Tiffani Castillo.  Another solo home run in the bottom of the fourth answered the Sabres' crooked number and put the score at 6-2. 

Marian answered the solo home run with a run of their own in the next half-inning.  After a sacrifice bunt from Terrian, Hartley would bring in Esposito with a two-out single.  The Raiders wouldn't go away quietly, however, as they plated three runs in the bottom of the fifth to put the score at 7-5. 

MSOE would bring in another run in the bottom of the seventh and put the tying run at third but a flyout to senior Charlotte Pegram closed out the 7-6 Marian win.

Freshman Paige Rauhut (12-5) earned the win going 4.1 innings and scattering six hits.  Senior Shannon Huray hammered down her third save of the season throwing the final 2.2 innings only allowing two hits and striking out four.

Terrian led the offense going 3-3 with a run scored and a pair of runs batted in, while Esposito and Hartley each went 2-4 with a run scored.  Hartley also drove in two runs in the win.

Marian next takes on No. 2 Concordia Wisconsin at approximately 2 p.m. from Alverno Field.

--FightBlueFight--