WESTFIELD, Ind. - The Cardinal softball team started the season on the right note, posting wins over No. 9 Southern Indiana and Indianapolis on Sunday (Feb. 25) afternoon. Saginaw Valley defeated the Screaming Eagles by an 8-2 count before defeating the Greyhounds 4-3. 

Southern Indiana (W, 8-2)

After USI went for a pair of runs in the 3rd, the Cardinals responded in a big way in the bottom of that inning when Courtney Reeves belted a grand slam, bringing home Meredith Rousse, Evy Lobdell and Danielle Hamilton for the 4-2 lead.

The bottom of the 6th would bring four more runs SVSU's way as the Cards extended their lead out to 8-2. Maddy Burgess doubled home Becky Corbett and was brought home when Rousse had an RBI single. Pinch runner Alexis Cerven then scored on an errant throw. An infield single by Julia Miller send Rousse home, finishing the game's scoring.

Mikayla Alexandrou picked up her first career win in the circle, working a complete game. She allowed just four hits and a single earned run. 

Lobdell went 2-4 with a run scored while Burgess, Rousse and Miller all added RBI. Rousse added two stolen bases. Reeves had the big blow, collecting four RBI on the grand slam.

Indianapolis (W, 4-3)

UIndy struck first in the bottom of the 2nd for some runs, the Cardinals responded with a trio of runs in the top of the 3rd inning. Burgess reached base on an error and then the Cards posted three straight hits, with a Lobdell single and Rousse triple that scored Burgess and Lobdell. Reeves then had a triple that scored Rousse.

Saginaw Valley picked up an important insurance run in the top of the 5th when Burgess doubled and was scored when Lobdell followed with a single. That would be all of the scoring for the game, with the Cards sealing the 4-3 win.

Anna Conard went the distance for the Cardinals, securing her first victory of the 2018 campaign. She allowed six hits, three runs and posted six strikeouts. 

Lobdell and Reeves each had three hits, with Reeves having a double, triple and RBI. Rousse went 2-4 with a pair of RBI.  

Up Next...

SVSU continues its spring schedule on Friday (Mar. 2) when it plays at Illinois-Springfield. It's the start of their spring trip, which will run through March 9 and feature 12 regional matchups. 

@SVSU_Softball | #svsusb | @SVSUAthletics | #GoSVSU

--- www.svsucardinals.com ---