LIVONIA -- The Madonna softball team kept their perfect season in tact with a pair of come from behind victories Thursday over Spring Arbor, 2-1 and 5-4, at Madonna University Field.

In game one, the Crusaders got another strong pitching performance from senior Erin Brockert who went the distance, striking out four and scattering six hits for the complete game win, her eighth against no defeats.

The game was a scoreless duel until the sixth when Spring Arbor broke through for a unearned run on a pair of Madonna errors.

The Crusaders responded in their half of the sixth scoring twice as Brockert scored on a wild pitch after leading off the inning with a double down the left field line.  Freshman Allison Grant then delivered a pinch-hit RBI single over third base, scoring Christina Finch for a 2-1 lead.

Brockert slammed the door in the seventh running her record to 8-0.

Brockert also notched three hits at the plate while Finch added a pair of singles to lead the offensive attack.

In the night-cap, night became the key word as the two teams battled each other and the setting sun into the seventh inning.

Madonna starting pitcher Shannon Noder went the first four innings allowing four runs while striking out six before giving way to Liz Ballinger.

With the Crusaders down 4-2 in the seventh and their undefeated record on the line, the MU bats rallied, scoring three runs, the final two on a two-out, two-run game winning single to right by shortstop Lynzee Smith for the victory.

Brockert capped a stellar day at the plate going 3-for-4 and Heather Richardson added a pair of hits and a RBI in the win.

Ballinger picked up the victory in relief, going to 3-0.

The victories push MU's season record to 12-0 while Spring Arbor falls to 4-13.

The Crusaders are back in action Friday when they travel to Urbane (OH) to face the Blue Knights in a 3:00 pm double-header.

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