Photo provided by Grace College
Photo provided by Grace College
OWENSBORO, Ky. - Grace College’s softball team dropped a pair of games to Brescia on Saturday afternoon.

What was originally scheduled as a four game series was reduced to a one day double-header after inclement weather forced the cancellation of Friday’s games.

The Lancers (1-4) offense started off hot in the first game as the first three hitters all reached base. Bela Duran and Jeri Ellis each earned a walk before Cassie Hayes singled through the right-side of the infield which scored Duran from second base.

Grace’s threat continued, as the Lancers would load the bases with just one out in the inning, but the Bearcats (3-5) escaped the top of the first down just 1-0.

In the home portion of the inning, Brescia took advantage of a pair of misplayed balls to cross three runs in the bottom of the first.

Grace gave up an unearned run in the second inning to fall behind 4-1 before the Lancers bats came alive again in the third inning.

Bree Gardinier hit a double into left field and Freshman Madie Brooks reached first base after working a walk. On her turn at the plate, Montana Brincks brought both runners around to score with a two out triple.

The Lancers would go down quietly in the fourth and fifth inning as Brescia expanded their lead, crossing at least one run in each inning.

In the seventh inning Tia O’Connor would get in prime scoring position after stealing third base. O’Conner was brought home to score after Brincks recorded her third RBI of the day.

Laikyn Lowe tried to keep Grace’s rally going, but the Lancers were unable to find the offense to overcome the deficit and fell 9-4 in the first game.

Grace outhit Brescia 11-9 in the first game of the double header. Brincks had three RBI’s on two hits. Ellis pitched five innings, recorded two strikeouts and gave up just two earned runs.

In the second contest, Grace followed the script from game one and immediately jumped out to an early lead.

Hayes and Gardinier got into scoring position as Brincks stepped to the plate. The sophomore outfielder hit a single through the heart of the infield to pick up her fourth and fifth RBI’s of the day to give Grace an early 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the first.

The bottom half of the inning was extended due to a pair of Grace errors, and Brescia took full advantage. The Bearcats crossed eight runners in the inning to take control of the game.

In the third inning the Lancers cut the deficit down to four runs. Eilis hit a well placed ball along the left field line that brought Duran around to score. Ellis then crossed home plate herself when Carly Ruiz singled her home.

The Lancers never truly threatened again, dropping the second game by a score of 12-4.

Ellis picked up a pair of hits in the game and Hayes reached base twice on two at bats. For the day, Brincks had three hits and five RBI’s.

The Lancers will be in action next week three times as they kickoff Crossroads League play. Grace will play No. 23 Marian on Tuesday, No. 2 Indiana Wesleyan on Friday and will host their home opener against Spring Arbor on Saturday.



Tennis Highlights Big Week With Win Over No. 15 Mariners

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - The spring break trip for Grace’s men’s tennis team was a smashing success.

The Lancers won five matches in five days in South Carolina, highlighted by a win over No. 15 Coastal Georgia.

Grace, ranked No. 17 in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, went 5-0 for the week. They improved their record on the season to 19-4.

Grace began the week with a 4-2 win over No. 15 Coastal Georgia.

The following day, Grace blanked Morningside 7-0 and Berry 5-0 just hours apart.

The Lancers closed out the week with a 6-1 victory against Missouri Valley and a 7-0 sweep of New Jersey City.

Grace still has a few spring matches scheduled as it prepares for the 2023 NAIA National Championships in May. Grace has already earned its spot in the tournament after winning the Crossroads League regular season and league tournament during the fall.

The Lancers are scheduled to host No. 24 Ferris State on March 18 and play at Indiana Tech (receiving votes in NAIA poll) on March 24.