LAGRANGE, Ga. — The Saint Mary's softball team (10-0) wasted no time backing up its national recognition, delivering a dominant opening day in Georgia after being ranked No. 4 in the nation by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Tuesday morning.
The Cardinals secured a pair of commanding, run-rule victories over LaGrange Panthers (1-9), sweeping the limited-inning contests in their first meeting with LaGrange since 2001.
GAME ONE
SMU 13, LC 3
The Cardinals surged ahead with a 10-run first inning and recorded 11 hits, including a home run, in the game that sealed the game right away.
Megan McGinnis led the team, scoring three runs and driving in three with a home run and a double. Makayla Steffes contributed by scoring three runs and adding two hits, including a double. Alexandra Gerber scored twice and stole two bases, enhancing the team's aggressive play.
Gerber initiated the charge with a single and a stolen base, later scoring on McGinnis's two-run homer. The inning continued with Steffes doubling, followed by a series of productive at-bats, including a key two-RBI single by Abbie Stigler. Defensive errors by the Panthers further extended the inning, allowing the Cardinals to capitalize on free bases and aggressive baserunning.
In the third inning, McGinnis again made an impact with an RBI double after Gerber walked and stole second, pushing the lead to 13-3. The Cardinals maintained pressure with productive outs, as Steffes and Jacqueline Avilez each contributed RBI groundouts to bring in additional runs.
The defense held strong, preventing LaGrange from mounting a comeback, with the Cardinals' pitchers keeping the opposition in check and closing out the game without further scoring in the five inning game.
GAME TWO
SMU 11, LC 1
In the final game of the day, the Cardinals collected 12 hits, including three doubles, and capitalized on six LaGrange errors. A crucial eight-run sixth inning sealed the win, while Kenzie Gatz pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine.
Steffes posted a strong performance by scoring two runs and adding two hits, including a double. Gatz was dominant on both sides, pitching a complete game with nine strikeouts while also contributing two runs and two hits, one of which was a double. Rhiannon Carroll recorded two hits and drove in one run, contributing to the team's offense. Peyton Berg added a key RBI, hitting a double and drawing a walk during the game.
The Panthers cut into the lead in the fifth inning, scoring their sole run, but the Cardinals responded decisively in the sixth inning. Gatz reached first on a fielding error, and Carroll followed with a single. A throwing error allowed both to score, setting the stage for a significant eight-run inning.
Carroll's RBI single capped the rally, solidifying an 11–1 lead.
Saint Mary's maintained pressure throughout, capitalizing on the Panthers defensive errors and seizing control with strategic baserunning. In the second inning, Gatz advanced to third on a throwing error after her single, setting up an unearned run. Zoe Fink's fielder's choice and subsequent stolen base added to the pressure, while Gerber's productive RBI groundout increased the lead.
Despite LaGrange's brief momentum in the fifth, the Cardinals sealed the outcome with disciplined at-bats and aggressive running. Erin Parker's RBI single in the sixth, coupled with smart base stealing, helped extend the lead, leaving LaGrange unable to mount a comeback.
The Cardinals will turn their attention to the NFCA Lead Off Classic in Columbus, Geo. starting on Friday against Pomona-Pitzer at 3:00 p.m. before playing Denison at 5:30 p.m.
