FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Madonna Crusaders softball team got off on the right foot Saturday, opening the 2006 season with a double-header sweep of Point Park and Dominican 23-0 and 2-0 respectively.

In game one, Madonna's offense was relentless scoring 23 times. Christina Finch, JC Czarnecki and Lindsey Smith each hit their first homeruns of the season while Stacey Sexsmith was 3-or-4 with three runs scored and Erin Brockert had a 3-for-5 day.

Brockert was masterful on the mound in her season debut.  The 2005 All-American went all five innings, fanning eight and not allowing a single run.

In game two, knuckleballer Liz Ballinger baffled the Dominican offense to the tune of a career high 13 strikeouts in seven innings of work. Heather Richardson and Mary Kate Setta provided the offense with a RBI triple and single respectively.

With the wins, Madonna improves to 2-0 to start the season.

The Crusaders are back in action Sunday when they face Urbana and Notre Dame College in a split double-header beginning at 1:00 pm (ET).

Contact:  
Matt Fancett, Sports Information Director
734-432-5610