Crusaders Split on Senior Day Against Aquinas

April 22, 2007

Site: Livonia, Mich. (Madonna University Field)
Scores: Madonna 5, Aquinas 2 | Aquinas 4, Madonna 3
Records: MU (25-12; 10-4 WHAC), AC (22-15; 12-4 WHAC)
Next MU Event: Thursday, April 26 -- at Cornerstone (DH) -- Grand Rapids, Mich., 3:00 p.m.

		Shannon Noder (left) and MU head coach Al White

Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

LIVONIA, Mich. -- It was a bittersweet day for Madonna senior Shannon Noder (Lincoln Park, Mich./Lincoln Park HS) as the Crusaders (25-12, 10-4 WHAC) split with visiting Aquinas and celebrated Senior Day Sunday at Madonna University Field.

Noder picked up the victory in game one after pitching the Crusaders to a 5-2 win over the Saints (22-15, 12-4 WHAC).  Noder also picked up the loss in game two after coming on in relief and surrendering a two-run homer by Jacki Plough as Aquinas clained the nightcap 4-3.

With the score tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning of game one, the Crusaders scored three runs after Tedi Johnston (New Boston, Mich./Huron HS) singled up the middle scoring Christina Finch (Adrian, Mich./Homer HS) and Mary Kate Setta (Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea HS).

As Johnston was digging for second base on the play, Aquinas pitcher Alyssa Fleser cut off the throw to the plate and tried to make a play at second base.  But, Fleser's throw was wide of the base and headed to the outfield fence, allowing Johnston to score from second.

Noder yielded just one hit in the seventh inning but took care of the Saints hitters to pick up her 13th win of the season.

Noder scattered seven hits over seven innings and struck out seven for the win.

In the nightcap, Madonna held a 3-2 lead heading into the fifth inning but the Saints took the lead when Plough hit a two-run home run to right field off Noder, who came on in relief of Liz Ballinger (St. Johns, Mich./St. Johns HS) in the fourth.

With Aquinas leading 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Madonna picked up a two-out single by Caitlyn Sidor (Livonia, Mich./Churchill HS), who was replaced by pinch runner Samantha Bell (Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion HS).  Bell went all the way to third base after a single by Finch, who moved up on the throw from the outfield. 

With two runners in scoring position, Setta stepped in and took the first pitch in the dirt.  The pitch from Fleser got away from catcher Karissa Saterlee and Bell sprinted for home and slid head first but Saterlee was able to recover and dive to tag out Bell to end the ball game.

Finch led the Crusaders offensive attack in game two with a 3-for-4 performance.

Madonna will return to the diamond Thursday, April 26 in a league doubleheader at Cornerstone.


Contact:
Tony Baldwin, Sports Information Director
(734) 432-5834
tbaldwin@madonna.edu