LEESBURG, Fla. - Marian University softball (2-2, 0-0 NACC) defeated Thiel 5-4 and Gordon 11-10 in eight innings to open their annual spring trip.

The Sabres only managed five hits in their opening game of the day but made the most of their opportunities for a win.  Marian opened with a four-run fourth inning after a three-run home run from sophomore Melanie Wiegel and solo shot from freshman Julia Corona.  The sixth inning saw a lot of action as Thiel was able to tie the game plating four runs themselves.  Marian made sure the lead didn't last long as in the bottom half of the inning freshman Kaley Ludvigsen was able to stay in a run-down long enough during a first-and-third situation for fellow freshman Izzy Gonazlez to score the eventual game-winner.

Weigel had the lone multi-hit game for the Sabres, while senior Paige Rauhut (1-1) earned the victory only allowing three earned runs with nine punch outs in a complete game.

Marian needed a rally in the second game but was able to complete the sweep with an extra-inning win over Gordon.  The Fighting Scots opened with a 3-1 lead after three innings with an RBI ground out from freshman Stephanie Keefe serving as the lone Sabre run.  Marian was able to take their first lead of the game in the top of the fourth after an RBI single from junior Kenzie Waechter followed by a pair of runs being driven in by sophomore Andrea Meagher.

The Sabre lead didn't hold for long as Gordon quickly retook the lead with a four spot in the bottom of the fourth inning.  That lead also didn't last long after a grand slam from Corona gave Marian an 8-7 advantage in the top of the fifth.  If you follow the theme, Gordon was able to retake the lead in the bottom half with a pair of runs.

After home runs from juniors Peyton Loesch and Katy Croeker gave Marian a 10-9 lead after six innings, Gordon was able to plate a run in their final at bat in the seventh.  In extras, Loesch was able to score on an error in the top of the eight which proved to be just enough for Marian to complete the sweep.

Croeker and Corona each had three-hit games, while Croeker also scored four runs to lead the squad.  Rauhut (2-1) was able to earn the victory in a relief effort going 2.0 innings allowing just one hit.

Marian takes on Penn State-Brandywine and Olivet tomorrow, Sunday, March 8, from the Sleepy Hollow Complex in Leesburg, Fla.