Tuesday morning, the Marian University Ancilla Softball team returned to action in Tucson, Arizona, as part of the Tucson Invitational Games. They began with a rubber match in their 3-game series versus Miles Community College, then turned their attention later in the day to a new opponent in Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Unfortunately, the Chargers fell 4-0 in the first game, then 12-3 in the second. Below are some quick highlights from the day's activities.
GAME-1 (L 4-0): There weren't a lot of fireworks in this contest, but Miles found 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. They were able to stack together a leadoff triple, a couple of singles, and a double, on their way to the game's only runs. Freshman Kimberly Cummings (1-3) pitched 6 solid innings for Marian Ancilla, allowing just 6 hits, and she was credited with the decision. The Chargers managed 6 singles and a pair of walks, but they were unable to cross the plate in the morning matchup.
GAME-2 (L 12-3): Chandler-Gilbert got started early, scoring their first run on a double with just one out in the top of the 1st inning. They then utilized an error and a couple of hits to plate 2 more runs in the top of the 2nd inning, going up 3-0. Another run on a fielding error in the 4th, and 2 more runs in the top of the 5th had the Coyotes ahead 6-0. In the bottom of the 6th, however, the Chargers answered back, scoring all 3 of their runs in that half inning. Sophomore Abigail Heaston and Freshman Cayla Beasley reached via walks. Then, with two outs, Kimberly Cummings grounded it to second base, but she reached safely due to a Coyote error, and Heaston was able to cross home. Freshman Hannah Carter was the next batter, and she flied to left field. But due to another error, Carter was safe at first base, while Beasley and Cummings made it home to score, trimming the lead to 6-3. Unfortunately, in the top of the 7th, Chandler-Gilbert utilized an error, 2 walks, 4 singles, and a double, scoring 6 more runs to double their total and extend the lead to 12-3.
Sophomore Samantha Hoffman (0-1) got the start and took the loss, but she struck out 4 batters in just 2 2/3 innings pitched. Cayla Beasley managed 3 walks in the game, while Freshman Tennley Werner was able to reach base on 3 hits. Both Beasley and Werner hit doubles in the contest as well. The Chargers are batting .289 as a team through five games, with Werner leading the team in hits (8) and batting average (8-15, .533).
The Marian Ancilla team has two more games in Arizona this Thursday, both versus the Madonna University Junior Varsity team. They will then return home for their first local battle on Tuesday, March 18th, when they host Indiana Wesleyan University's Junior Varsity/Club group. Good luck to the ladies in their final two games of this season-opening trip!!
