FOND DU LAC - Marian University softball (10-6, 2-0 NACC) defeated Dominican 9-1 and 8-0 in a pair of five-inning games to open NACC play.

The Sabres started fast scoring three runs in the first inning with junior Taylor Lauscher driving in a pair with a double and sophomore Katy Croeker hitting a single to drive in Lauscher later in the inning.  The Stars managed to cut into their deficit with a two-out single in the fourth but Marian answered right back with an RBI single from junior Ally Fox.

Marian was then able to put the game away with a five-run inning in the fifth.  Sophomore Alexa Rodriguez opened the scoring for the inning with an RBI single which was followed by a sacrifice fly from senior Rachel Soch.  A batter later, freshman Andrea Meagher was able to record an RBI single to right field.  Senior Lindsey Strainis kept the offense rolling with a bases-loaded walk before freshman Hannah Cozzi drove the ball to the fence in right field to close out the game with an RBI hit.

Junior Paige Rauhut (4-3) tossed a complete game allowing just one run off of four hits with four punch outs in the circle.  Offensively, eight of the Sabre starters recorded a hit led by Croeker who went 3-3 with two runs scored and one driven in.  Fox also had a strong game reaching all four plate appearances after going 2-2 with a pair of walks and two stolen bases.

The second game saw the Sabres once again jump out to a fast start with another three-run inning to open the game.  Lauscher and Croeker hit back-to-back doubles with Lauscher driving in a pair and Croeker bringing in sophomore Peyton Loesch.  The Sabres extended on their lead in the fourth after an RBI single from Rodriguez and another bases-loaded walk from Strainis.

Marian would once again put the game away in the fifth after scoring three runs with patience at the plate.  Rodriguez started the scoring with an RBI single before Fox and Strainis each drew bases-loaded walks with two outs to end the game.  The walk was the third time on the day Strainis drew a free pass with the bases loaded.

Lauscher continued her strong day going 3-3 with three runs scored to lead the offense.  Sophomore Myranda Schuttenhelm (5-2) gave Marian a dominant start allowing just one hit over 5.0 innings of work with a pair of strikeouts.

Marian remains at home to host Concordia Chicago Sunday, March 31 for a noon start from Smith Field in NACC action.