Box Score 1

COLUMBUS, Ga. — The No. 4 Saint Mary's softball team improved its unbeaten start to the season, opening the NFCA Lead Off Classic with a pair of victories on Friday. The Cardinals (12-0) defeated Pomona-Pitzer 2-0 before closing the day with a 5-1 win over Denison.

GAME ONE

SMU 2, PPC 0

The Cardinals began tournament play with a strong pitching performance and timely offense to earn a 2-0 win over the Sagehens.

Kenzie Gatz dominated in the circle, striking out 11 batters across six innings while allowing just two hits. Saint Mary's backed her effort with a steady offensive showing led by Alexandra Gerber, who collected three hits in four at-bats. Karli Zetah added two hits and a stolen base.

Saint Mary's broke through in the third inning. Zetah opened the frame with a bunt single and moved into scoring position when Gerber followed with another bunt hit. Later in the inning, Zetah crossed the plate on a fielder's choice to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals added an insurance run in the fifth after taking advantage of a Pomona-Pitzer error. Gerber singled to start the rally, and although Makayla Steffes was initially thrown out at the plate on a fielder's choice, an error allowed her to advance to third and eventually score, extending the lead to 2-0.

Saint Mary's defense held firm the rest of the way, with Gatz closing the door by mixing strikeouts and groundouts to preserve the shutout.

GAME TWO

SMU 5, DU 1

Saint Mary's carried its momentum into the nightcap, using power hitting and another strong outing in the circle to defeat Denison 5-1.

Makayla Steffes earned the win after striking out nine batters and limiting the Big Red offense.

The Cardinals struck first in the second inning when Naleyah Bork launched her third home run of the season to give Saint Mary's a 1-0 lead. Abbie Stigler followed immediately with a home run of her own, pushing the advantage to 2-0.

Stigler added to her standout day in the fourth inning, blasting her second homer of the game and third of the season to extend the lead to 3-0.

While base runners were limited, Saint Mary's continued to rely on the long ball. Steffes and Megan McGinnis each contributed to the offensive surge, helping the Cardinals maintain control and prevent any Denison comeback.

Saint Mary's will continue play in Georgia on Saturday, March 7, opening the day against DePauw at 10:00 a.m. (ET) before facing Emory at 12:30 p.m. (ET).