WINTER HAVEN, Florida - After another full day of sunshine, the Saint Mary's softball team (11-3) fought through another non-conference doubleheader, falling 6-5 to Moravian (5-1) in the first game before bouncing back with a 6-4 victory over Eastern (5-2).
 
MORAVIAN
 
Saint Mary's fell to Moravian 6-5 in an extra-inning contest despite a 10-hit performance, the Cardinals were unable to hold off the Greyhounds, who secured the win with a decisive run in the eighth inning. 
 
Makayla Steffes made a strong impact both at the plate and on the mound for the Cardinals. As a hitter, Steffes recorded three hits and scored two runs, while also stealing two bases. On the pitching side, Steffes delivered four innings, striking out four batters. 
 
The Cardinals began the game with a strong start in the first inning. Steffes singled to center field and was advanced by Megan McGinnis's sacrifice bunt. Peyton Berg followed with a single to left field, driving in Steffes for the first run. Brianna Nusbaum, pinch-running for Berg, scored on Heather Nordlund's double to right center, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.
 
In the fourth inning, the Cardinals added another run. Nordlund singled and was advanced to third by subsequent groundouts. Zoe Fink delivered a single up the middle that scored, increasing the lead to 3-0. The Greyhounds responded in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 3-3 with a series of singles and stolen bases.
 
The Cardinals continued to push in the sixth inning. Berg doubled and a Naleyah Bork's single to second base briefly regained the lead at 4-3. However, the Greyhounds responded with three runs in their half of the inning, taking a 6-4 lead.
 
Despite the deficit, the Cardinals fought back in the seventh inning and narrowed the gap to 6-5. 
 
However, the game concluded in the eighth inning with Moravian securing a 6-5 victory after adding an insurance run.
 
EASTERN
 
Saint Mary's scored in three different innings, including two runs in the second, fourth, and sixth innings, while Eastern managed two runs in the second and fifth innings. Despite being outhit 10-7, Saint Mary's capitalized on Eastern's two errors to secure the win.
 
Alexandra Gerber stood out for the Cardinals with a stellar performance, recording three hits in three at-bats, including a home run, and driving in four runs. Allison Ciero contributed significantly as well, scoring two runs, stealing two bases, and collecting two hits with one RBI.
 
In the second inning, the Cardinals responded effectively after the Eagles took a 2-0 lead with a home run. Bork singled and  Ciero reached on a fielder's choice, later advancing to third on a throwing error. Gerber then delivered an inside-the-park home run, driving in two runs to tie the game at 2-2.
 
The fourth inning saw Saint Mary's take the lead. After Nordlund walked and Ciero singled, allowing a score. Gerber followed with a single bringing the score to 4-2 in favor of Saint Mary's.
 
The Cardinals extended their lead more in the sixth. Ciero singled and stole second, advancing to third on a throwing error. Gerber singled up the middle to bring Ciero home. Gerber then stole second and scored on a single by Abbie Stigler, bringing Saint Mary's total to six runs against Eastern's four.
 
Saint Mary's maintained their lead through the seventh inning, concluding the game with a 6-4 victory. 
 
The Cardinals will be back in action tomorrow, starting at 4:30 p.m. EST, facing Concordia Wisconsin in the first game before closing out their Florida series against Emmanuel.