WINONA, Minn. - It might be the first game jitters or the feeling of hosting one of the biggest games of the season thus far. Saint Mary's University claimed the first win of the NCAA Regional round defeating the long traveled Husson Eagles in a come from behind 5-2 win.

Pitching a complete game, Makayla Steffes recorded six strikeouts over seven innings while allowing two earned runs on eight hits. 

The Cardinals took the first swing taking an early 1-0 lead after the second inning with Abbie Stigler driving Karli Zetah home with a single.

Husson responded in the third inning with two runs giving them a 2–1 lead.

In the fifth inning, the Cardinals regained momentum with a decisive four-run surge.

The Cardinals scored on a bunt single by Amanda Teschky, followed by Megan McGinnis driving her in with a single to right field. Steffes then delivered a two-RBI single up the middle, scoring both Allison Ciero and McGinnis, putting the Cardinals ahead 5–2. 

The Cardinals defense held strong for the remainder of the game, preventing any further scoring from Husson University and securing the big win for Saint Mary's.

"Our team chemistry is always strong, and we know how to close out games with it," said Steffes. "We've been in this position before, so even if it takes us a little time to get going, we always find a way to finish."

When asked about the slow start and looking ahead, head coach John Tschida said, "We just stick to the fundamentals. We approach every game like it's a championship."

The team will return to action tomorrow at 11:00 A.M., taking on the winner of the second game, which is scheduled for 1:30 P.M., back at Saint Mary's Field.