CLERMONT, Florida - Another day of games in Florida wraps up with a split for the Saint Mary's softball team (9-2). The Cardinals fell to Trine 4-3 in the first game but bounced back to defeat Benedictine 11-3 in the second.
 
TRINE
 
Despite taking an early lead with two runs in the first inning and adding another in the third, the Cardinals were unable to hold on as Trine rallied with four runs in the seventh inning. 
 
Makyala Steffes pitched a complete game where she also contributed offensively with two stolen bases. Megan McGinnis made a significant impact defensively at second base with five assists, while also reaching base twice with a hit and a walk. Heather Nordlund excelled at the plate, driving in two runs with two hits.
 
In the first inning, the Cardinals took an early lead after Steffes singled to center field and subsequently stole second and third. McGinnis walked and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Peyton Berg, allowing Steffes to score. Nordlund then delivered a single to center field, driving in McGinnis and giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.
 
The Cardinals capitalize again in the third inning on a defensive error by Trine. Steffes reached first on an error and advanced to third on a single by McGinnis. In similar fashion to the first inning, Nordlund singled and brought Steffes home, extending the lead to 3-0.
 
Throughout the game, the Cardinals limited Trine's scoring opportunities, maintaining a shutout through the sixth inning, while compiling six hits by the end of the game. Although a strong start, the Cardinals were unable to add to their lead after the third inning.
 
In the final inning, Trine mounted a comeback, scoring four runs. 
 
The Cardinals finished with three runs on six hits and no errors, while Trine recorded four runs on six hits with two errors.
 
BENEDICTINE
 
The game saw the Cardinals drive in 10 RBIs with 13 hits, including two doubles, a triple, and a home run.
 
Kenzie Gatz achieved a complete game with six innings pitched, allowing five hits and striking out one, while also contributing offensively with two hits, a double, and one RBI.
 
In the first inning, the Cardinals established a strong lead with an explosive offensive performance, scoring eight runs off eight hits. McGinnis reached base on an error and scored the first run, followed by key hits which collectively drove in additional runs. Steffes capped the inning with a two-run home run, giving the Cardinals an 8-0 lead.
 
During the third inning, the Cardinals continued to extend their advantage. Gatz doubled and was brought home by McGinnis's triple, adding another run to the tally and increasing the lead to 9-0. Benedictine remained scoreless through the first three innings.
 
Benedictine  responded in the fourth inning by getting on the scoreboard with two runs narrowing the gap to 9-2.
 
The Cardinals sealed their victory with two more runs. Berg singled and advanced on an error, eventually scoring alongside Zoe Fink. Alexandra Gerber's single drove in the final run, concluding the Cardinals' scoring at 11-3. 
 
The combined efforts of consistent hitting and capitalizing on errors secured the win for the Cardinals.
 
The Cardinals prepare and quickly shift focus for another doubleheader tomorrow, starting at 2:00 p.m. EST.