PORTLAND, Ore. – Coming into the final day of the Cavalier Classic, the Saints played back-to-back games, falling to Corban to start, before rebounding with a 12-3 victory over Northwest to split the day.
"We played a good game against Corban and had the lead on two different occasions and could not hold the lead," said head coach
Jim Peterson. "We came out early on Northwest and got a big lead and have a good team effort in a good win for us."
In the opening game, the Saints struck first, scoring two runs in the third inning.
Lauren Diuco singled to right field, and following an error on the play,
Regan Byrd scored from second. Later in the inning,
Sabrina Hicks reached on a fielder's choice, bringing home Diuco and a Saints' 2-0 lead.
Corban managed to tie the game in the top of the fourth inning, scoring two runs on a RBI single and a sac fly. The Saints were able to regain the lead in the fifth when Hicks connected on a 1-0 pitch for a two-run home run to left field. The home run marked the second of the tournament, and fourth of the season for the shortstop.
However, Corban began the comeback in the top of the sixth inning. The first run came on a sac fly, followed by the tying run on a RBI double to left center. The eventual game-winning run came home on a RBI single. The Saints got the tying run in scoring position in the sixth, with one out but were unable to bring the runner home.
Brandi Schoessler (4-1) picked up her first loss of her NCAA career, going all seven innings, allowing the five runs, three earned, on eight hits with six punchouts.
In the second game of the day, the Saints left no chance for a comeback, scoring three runs in each the second and third inning, before capping it off with six in the fourth to win 12-3.
Nicki DeHan led the way on the offensive end, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored.
Kylee Vanderbout added two RBIs on her home run in the second inning, her first of her career.
Trinity Loeb added two RBIs on her pinch hit single up the middle in the fourth inning.
Jessica O'Toole (2-1) started the game in the circle for the Saints, going 3.1 innings, allowing two runs, one earned, while striking out three batters.
Lauren Maley pitched the final 1.2 innings, giving up only one run and striking out one.
Hicks was named to her second All-Tournament team of the season. Over the weekend, Hicks went 5-for-13 with two home runs, six RBIs, and five runs scored.
The Saints begin conference action at home on March 8 with a doubleheader against Montana State Billings.
