WINONA, Minn. - The No. 25 Saint Mary's softball team (17-3) couldn't have asked for a better day for their home opener! On Saturday afternoon, the team dominated the St. Scholastica Saints (4-14), securing two impressive victories, 6-0 and 11-0, in the sweep at home.

GAME ONE

Makayla Steffes showcased her pitching with a complete game shutout, striking out 15 batters, a career high and the highest in the MIAC so far this season, while allowing just four hits over seven innings. She also contributed on the bases with three stolen bases. 

The key moment came in the fifth inning when the Cardinals scored four runs, capitalizing on their accuracy at the plate. The Cardinals also showcased aggressive base running, successfully stealing nine bases throughout the game.

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the second inning when Allison Ciero singled, stole two bases, and scored on a throwing error by the catcher, taking a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, the Cardinals capitalized on aggressive base running. Peyton Berg walked and pinch runner Brianna Nusbaum stole second and third before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Bork, extending the lead to 2-0.

Abbie Stigler and Amanda Teschky started the intense fifth inning after both walked, setting up Steffes for an RBI single to right, scoring Stigler. The inning's highlight came when Berg's bunt resulted in two runs scored after a series of defensive errors, bringing the score to 6-0.

The defensive effort by the Cardinals was strong throughout, clinching the shutout victory.

GAME TWO

Kenzie Gatz pitched four innings, allowing three hits and striking out three without giving up a run. 

The team tallied 11 hits, including three doubles and a home run, while holding St. Scholastica to just four hits. 

The Cardinals opened the first inning with Steffes singling up the middle and eventually scoring on Megan McGinnis's bunt, giving them an early 1-0 lead. 

In the second inning, the Cardinals extended their lead with a series of hits resulting in four runs for the inning, putting the Cardinals ahead 5-0.

Naleyah Bork hit a solo home run, and Ciero and Alexandra Gerber reached base on an error and a hit, respectively. Gatz's single drove in another run, and a subsequent error allowed Gerber to score. 
The Cardinals added three more runs in the fifth inning. This put the Cardinals up 11-0.

The Cardinals pitched two perfect games, keeping their opponents scoreless throughout the entire day.

They aim to maintain their momentum as they host Carleton tomorrow for a doubleheader, originally scheduled for 4/02, with the first game starting at 1:00 p.m.