Eureka, IL- The Mount Mary softball team was scheduled to play six games in the state of Illinois between March 25th and March 27th. Three trends continued for the Blue Angels, a tough one run loss, a dominant offensive blowout win, and games being cancelled due to weather. The Blue Angels dropped two games to Dominican, the Saturday contests vs. Knox were cancelled due to weather, and Sunday saw Mount Mary split the twin bill vs Eureka.
Friday March 27:
Game 1- Dominican 8, Mount Mary 7
Game 2- Dominican 12, Mount Mary 4
The Stars of Dominican University came into Friday's game at 13-1, boasting one of the best records in all of Division 3. The Blue Angels were more than up to the task and competed closely with Dominican, unfortunately for MMU, it was not enough to pull out either game of the doubleheader.
Game 1 vs Dominican was a back and forth contest, The Blue Angels took a one run lead into the bottom of the 4th inning, but Dominican scored five runs to regain the lead. Mount Mary trailed 8-3 heading into the top of the 6th, but as has been their pattern, the Angels stormed back. The Angels pulled within a run at 8-7 but could get no closer.
Mount Mary's offense coerced 8 walks in the game to go along with their six hits, Lauren Nylund tallied two hits and a run batted in for the Blue Angels.
Dominican plated 5 runs in the first 2 innings of game 2 and Mount Mary was never able to come back, falling by a 12-4 score. Sam Allen continued what has been a strong offensive season, drawing a walk, knocking out a hit and driving in a run for Mount Mary.
Sunday March 29:
Game 1- Mount Mary 12, Eureka 2
Game 2- Eureka 10, Mount Mary 6
In Sunday's first game at Eureka College, the Blue Angels and Red Devils were in a close contest, until 10 runs in the top of the 4th for Mount Mary blew the game open. Mount Mary would cruise to a 12-2 win. Brianna Lupa picked up her fifth win in the pitching circle, with an impressive line of 5 innings pitched, no earned runs, and only one walk.
The Blue Angels pounded out twelve hits, Micaela Gonzalez ignited the charge from the top of the order, with 2 hits and 3 runs batted in. Sam Allen and Mary DeFore also had two hits apiece, and Marissa Heraly batted in 2 runs as well.
In game two, Eureka flipped the script on Mount Mary, using one big inning to build a lead they would not relinquish. Eureka took the second game of Sunday's twin bill by a score of 10-6.
The Red Devils scored 7 runs in the bottom of the second, and would lead MMU 8-0 at the end of the inning. Once again Mount Mary would not give up, scoring two runs in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings. Eureka slammed the door at that point however and held off the Blue Angel comeback.
Crystal Peterson and Aislinn Strusz each had two hits for Mount Mary, with Strusz knocking in 2 runs. Marissa Heraly stayed hot at the plate, drawing 2 walks and scoring 2 runs in game 2.
Mount Mary (5-12) is scheduled for back to back doubleheaders this upcoming week. Thursday, March 31st, at Rockford, and Friday April 1st, at Lawrence. Mount Mary opened this season with an 18-0 win over Lawrence on February 24th. Live coverage will be available on mtmaryathletics.com
