WINONA, Minn. - History repeats itself! The No. 11 Saint Mary's Cardinal softball team (39-3) are back-to-back champions, claiming the 2025 MIAC Softball title with a perfect 23-0 record throughout the conference. 

On a beautiful day at Saint Mary's Field, the Cardinals took the field for two games—starting with a dominant 9-1, six-inning victory over the Macalester Scots (27-15) in the program's first-ever playoff meeting between the two teams, punching their ticket to the championship game.

As the top seed in the tournament, the Cardinals earned a game break before facing Saint Benedict (26-14) in the MIAC Championship, where they secured a 5-3 win and clinched their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Saint Mary's 9, Macalester 1

Makayla Steffes pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out four batters over six innings. At the plate, Steffes contributed with two hits and two RBIs. 

The Cardinals secured an early lead, scoring two runs in both the first and second innings. Megan McGinnis singled and then scored on Peyton Berg's double, along with Steffes, putting the Cardinals ahead 2-0. 

The momentum continued in the second inning as Naleyah Bork hit a solo home run up the middle. Amanda Teschky's advance to third on an error allowed another run, extending the lead to 4-0.

Berg doubled again in the fifth, leading to a sacrifice fly by Abbie Stigler that brought Berg home, increasing the lead to 5-0. 

In the sixth inning, Macalester managed to score one run off a home run, but the Cardinals responded decisively. Breonna Methner and Allison Ciero set the stage with a walk and a hit, and Steffes capitalized with a single that drove in two runs. Samya Brown's double added two more RBIs, making it a 9-1 game.

Saint Mary's 5, Saint Benedict 3

In the biggest game of the year, the Cardinals knew what to do.

The Cardinals came out firing with a three-run first inning, sparked by Ciero's infield single that set the tone. Steffes followed with a bunt single to drive her in, then McGinnis ripped a double and later scored on a bunt by Berg. Steffes capped off the early rally by crossing the plate on Stigler's groundout, giving the Cardinals a quick 3-0 lead.

It was silent for both teams until the fourth inning when Saint Benedict responded with two runs.

The game was tied up at threes in the top of the sixth inning after a Bennie's solo home run.

The Cardinals knew what to do.

With the game winding down, in the bottom of the sixth inning Methner's triple through the right side drove in two, to seal the game.

Saint Mary's fans erupted!

The MIAC Conference Tournament title marks the second in program history—and a historic achievement, as the Cardinals claimed it in back-to-back seasons. 

With the win, the Cardinals secured the MIAC's automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Division III Softball Tournament. The full tournament field will be revealed by the NCAA on Monday at 10:00 a.m. on NCAA.com.