No. 5 MU Softball Takes Down No. 18 St. Thomas 3-0

Viera, Fla. - The Marian softball team split their Tuesday games in Florida, earning a top-25 win over No. 18 St. Thomas in their afternoon contest before falling to No. 16 Missouri Baptist in the nightcap. Marian moves to 5-1 on the season following the games.

The Knights once again turned the ball to Alayna Thomas in the first game of the day, and as she did on Monday, the sophomore again shone brightly, starting the game hitless through three complete. Tesnar would allow one runner in each inning on a walk or error, but relied on the Marian defense to get out of each inning. Marian's starter would allow a double in the fourth inning, but limited the Bobcats to the lone base runner as a flyout and ground out ended the frame.

Tesnar would keep the shutout going through five innings as two strikeouts helped move the game into the sixth inning, as Marian's bats finally found life. Until the sixth inning, Marian managed just one base runner, coming on a second inning single from Lily Wendt. Looking to break the 0-0 deadlock, Marian found a spark from the bottom of the order, as Delaney Rundle ripped a lead-off single and Karly Anderson drew a walk. Abbey Hofmann then delivered the first RBI hit of the contest, singling to center field as the lineup rolled over, scoring Rundle to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Abby Madere slammed a single into left field, scoring both Hofmann and Anderson to give the Knights a 3-0 lead.

With a lead at hand, Tesnar only got stronger, quickly working through a 1-2-3 sixth inning, keeping the shutout intact going into the seventh inning. In the bottom of the seventh, St. Thomas would threaten the sophomore as the Bobcats roped back-to-back singles to open the inning, but Tesnar was able to force two infield outs. The sophomore would then back into a corner as she walked the game-tying run, but with the bases-loaded, Marian's starter forced a flyout to center field, stranding three Bobcats to close out the 3-0 win.

Alayna Tesnar (3-0) logged her second consecutive shutout victory with the win on Tuesday, tossing a complete game for the second time in as many days. The sophomore allowed three hits and walked three batters, logging three strikeouts in the win. Abby Madere ended the game with two RBI, going 1-3 with the insurance base hit in the sixth inning. Abbey Hofmann had the game-winning RBI single in the sixth inning, and Delaney Rundle also collected a hit in the win. 

Marian will be idle on Wednesday, before returning to action on Thursday for an outing against Bismarck State College and an exhibition against the Czech Republic National Team.