ST. PAUL, Minn. - On a beautiful day for softball, the Saint Mary's team (15-3) traveled to the cities to face St. Catherine (7-9) in their conference opener, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
 
The Cardinals dominated the Wildcats, securing a 16-0 win in game one and a 13-5 victory in game two, completing their first conference sweep.
 
GAME ONE
 
In the circle, Makayla Steffes pitched four innings, surrendering only one hit. The Cardinals offense was explosive, racking up 18 hits, including a season-high three home runs.
 
The Cardinals took the lead in the first inning with a strong start, as Steffes tripled and later scored on a Peyton Berg homer that brought in two runs. This initial performance set the tone for the game, with the Cardinals leading 2-0 after the first inning.
 
In the second inning, the Cardinals continued their offensive momentum bringing the score to 4-0.
 
In an explosive third inning, it was highlighted by a home run from Heather Nordlund that brought in two runs. Abbie Stigler also hit a solo home run, contributing to a five-run inning and extending the lead to 9-0.
 
The Cardinals sealed their dominant performance in the fifth inning, scoring seven more runs. 
 
GAME TWO
 
Kenzie Gatz made a significant impact on the mound, recording five strikeouts over four innings helping to secure the win.
 
The Cardinals began the game strong in the first inning with Steffes scoring on a single by Berg. An error allowed Ariel Herrera to score, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. In the second inning, the Cardinals continued their pressure extending the lead to 3-0.
 
In the third inning, Naleyah Bork added to the score with a solo home run, making it 4-0. 
 
The offense was consistent, and in the fourth inning, Ciero's progression around the bases led to another run after Gatz's sacrifice fly, maintaining a solid 5-1 advantage.
 
The fifth inning saw a burst of runs from the Cardinals, highlighted by Berg's double and a series of timely singles, which resulted in three runs and extended the lead to 8-3. 
 
The strength of the Cardinals was too much for the Wildcats after the sixth with Berg hitting a three-run homer and Stigler contributing to a five-run inning, securing a commanding 13-5 victory.
 
The Cardinals are excited to host their home opener on April 2nd for a doubleheader against Carleton, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:30 p.m.