KISSIMMEE, Fla.- The Ave Maria University softball team ended their spring break trip on a high note on Saturday, sweeping their final two games at The Spring Games at the Fortune Road Athletic Complex in Kissimmee. The Gyrenes run-ruled Trinity International University, 9-1, in the opener, then got some late inning heroics in a 4-2 win over Bethel University in their final game, finishing up a 4-2 stay in Kissimmee for the Gyrenes.
After two scoreless innings in the opener, the Gyrenes jumped on top in the bottom of the third inning. AMU loaded the bases on an error and singles from Katelynn Sebastiani and Miriam Padgett. Marisa Michi gave AMU the lead with a bases loaded walk, and Morgan Grimm continued to be one of the hottest hitters in the nation with a three-run double, putting Ave Maria up 4-0.
Trinity International scored their lone run in the top of the fourth, but Ave Maria responded with three in the bottom half. After a leadoff single from Annie Nudera, Gracie Lopez drove in her with a triple to right center. The final two runs of the inning were provided by Maggie Hampton, as the junior belted a two-run home run, her second of the season, over the centerfield fence.
Ave Maria scored their final two runs in the bottom of the sixth, ending the game early due to the run rule. Padgett led off with a walk, and proceeded to steal second and third before scoring on a bunt from Hampton. Michi added a double, pinch runner Alexis Lendo stole third, and Elena Dybiec brought the game to an end with a single down the left field line.
Aylin Naranjo earned the win in the circle for the Gyrenes, pitching the final five innings in relief of starting pitcher Kassandra Clark. The senior picked up her first win of the season following four innings of work, allowing just one run while striking out three Trinity International hitters.
In the nightcap, the Gyrenes got on the board in the top of the third. Alexis Lendo, who would reach four times and steal four bases, reached on catcher's interference and stole her second base of the day. With two outs, Marisa Michi came through with an RBI single to center, giving AMU a 1-0 lead. Bethel would rally for runs in the fourth and fifth, and would take a 2-1 lead into the top of the sixth.
Grimm started the sixth inning with a double, and pinch runner Annie Nudera moved up to third on a well placed grounder from Ashley Nelson. With one out in the inning, Kylee Lewis came through with an RBI single up the middle, tying the score at two and setting the stage for some late inning heroics.
For the second time, Lendo reached on catcher's interference to lead off the seventh, and proceeded to steal the last of her four bases. She then moved up to third with two outs on a wild pitch. With two outs, Michi went to the opposite field and drilled a two-run home run, her first longball of the season. AMU would shut the door in the seventh to secure their fourth Spring Games win.
Alissa Bolinger earned her fourth win of the week, which saw her allow just three earned runs over 27 innings, following a complete game. Bolinger did not allow an earned run in her seven innings in the circle, and struck out eight Bethel hitters.
AMU now returns home for the first time in a week and a half. The next games on the schedule for the Gyrenes come on Tuesday, when AMU heads to Boca Raton for a doubleheader with NCAA Division II Lynn University. First pitch from Boca Raton is scheduled for noon.
