Spires Drop Both Games to Avila in Mid-Week Doubleheader

Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Softball team played a doubleheader against Avila University on Tuesday, losing 3-1 and then 15-3. The Spires are now 14-11 on the season and 0-4 in the KCAC.

Game One

Saint Mary and Avila were both held scoreless in the early innings. It was not until the fifth inning that Avila eventually struck first, capitalizing on an error and a single. Saint Mary responded in the bottom half of the inning as Megan Brinkman hit a ground ball to the second baseman and allowed Alexis McDaniel to score, making it a 2-1 ball game. Starter Megan Brinkman gave up only one earned run throughout six innings. The Eagles scored on a sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving them a crucial insurance run heading into the bottom half of the inning. Natalie Bruce got on for the Spires, which brought the tying run to the plate, but Saint Mary was unable to tie things up.

Game Two

Saint Mary got on the board first after Allyson Dias hit an RBI double that drove in McDaniel. Jessica Strandlund was able to score on a wild pitch in the second inning to give USM the 2-0 lead. The Eagles put up 11 runs in the third inning to take a commanding lead. After adding three more runs in the fourth to make it a 15-2 ball game. The Spires got one more run across the plate after a wild pitch to make the final score 15-3.

Up Next

The Spires will host Missouri Valley College for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Leavenworth, Kansas.