MILWAUKEE - Marian University softball (12-6, 4-0 NACC) only allowed a combined seven hits as the Sabres defeated Wisconsin Lutheran 2-1 and 5-1, respectively, in a NACC doubleheader.

The opener was a pitching duel from start to finish with all of the action coming in the third inning.  The Sabres were able to take advantage of an error when sophomore Gianna Esposito was able to bring in fellow sophomore Ally Fox.  Freshman Peyton Loesch then brought in Esposito with a single to right field.  The Warriors would plate a two-out run in the bottom half of the inning but the rest of the way would only manage two hits as the Sabres earned the win.

P. Rauhut (7-2) continued her dominance in the circle with the complete game win allowing only four hits and striking out five.  Fox would lead the offense for Marian going 2-4 with a run scored.

The Sabres were able to start fast and had big contributions from Loesch both in the circle and at the plate to earn the sweep.  Esposito opened the scoring when she brought in Fox with a sacrifice fly before freshman Katy Croeker drove in Loesch to give Marian a 2-0 lead before WLC even hit.

Marian continued to ride their offensive momentum in the second when Fox was able to bring in freshman Alexa Rodriguez following a sacrifice bunt from freshman Kenzie Waechter.  Esposito then drove in Fox with a two-out single to put the Sabres ahead 4-0.  Sophomore Taylor Lauscher would rip a double into left field in the fifth inning that plated Croeker in the fifth before a leadoff home run from the Warriors ended the Sabre shutout and set the final at 5-1.

Fox had another good game at the plate going 2-4 with two runs scored and a run driven in, while Loesch finished 3-4 with two runs scored.  Esposito also drove in a pair of runs as she went 1-3.  Loesch (4-2) recorded a complete game win in the circle for the Sabres only allowing three hits and recording four strikeouts.

Marian next plays at Smith Field for the first time this season when the Sabres host Edgewood for a noon 3 p.m. doubleheader Monday, April 2.

--FightBlueFight--