Mixed Results for Saints at NAIA Tournament Opening: Local Team Battles Through Day One

The University of St. Francis softball team had a varied start at the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The No. 5-seeded Saints won their first game 3-1 against the No. 4 seed Tennessee Wesleyan University. Later that day, they lost 3-1 to the top-seeded University of the Cumberlands, which is ranked fourth in the NAIA.

In the victory against Tennessee Wesleyan, the Saints scored early, with runs in the first two innings. Pitcher Kiersten Manning allowed only one run, a home run in the seventh inning, and gave up four hits while striking out three batters. Brittany Osborne hit a key two-out double in the second inning to extend their lead.

The second game, against the University of the Cumberlands, was tougher for the Saints. Carly Oliver of the Cumberlands hit two home runs, leading her team to victory. Despite Manning allowing just four hits, the Saints could not make the most of their seven hits and scored only once.

Key players Emily Boyle and Isabella Landeros each had four hits across both games, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Despite the loss, the Saints showed determination against top-ranked opponents.

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