Williamsburg, KY – No. 18 University of the Cumberlands split its doubleheader against No. 3 Madonna University (Mich.) on Wednesday afternoon at the UC Softball Complex. The Patriots dropped game one 2-1 before responding with a 5-4 victory in the nightcap. Cumberlands moves to 28-14 overall and 8-4 in Mid-South Conference play.
Game 1: PATS FALL IN PITCHERS' DUEL
Cumberlands struck first in the opening inning when Grace Ross reached and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Emily Delgado to take a 1-0 lead.
Jessica Cord was strong early, working out of multiple scoring threats and holding the Crusaders scoreless through the first four innings.
Madonna broke through in the fifth inning, using a double and a sacrifice fly to plate two runs and take a 2-1 lead.
The Patriots were limited offensively, collecting just three hits, and were unable to find the equalizer late as Madonna held on for the win.
Cord went the distance in the circle, allowing just two runs on four hits across seven innings.
Game 2: PATS KNOCK OFF NO. 3 MADONNA
Cumberlands bounced back in a big way in game two, taking an early lead in the first inning. Grace Ross scored on a stolen home play before Emily Delgado delivered a two-RBI single to give the Patriots a 3-1 advantage.
The Patriots added to their lead in the sixth when Jae Jae Phillips launched a two-run home run, extending the margin to 5-1.
Madonna mounted a late rally in the seventh, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to 5-4, but the Patriots held on to secure the upset victory.
Brenna Parker earned the win in relief, while Jessica Cord recorded the final outs to earn the save.
Offensively, Cumberlands totaled 12 hits, with multi-hit performances from Ross, Garcia, Delgado, White, and Phillips.
Up Next
Cumberlands will return to action to close out the Mid-South Conference regular season as they host Bethel University (Tenn.) for a three-game series at the UC Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for Friday at 5:00 PM, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM in Williamsburg, KY.
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