To read the WHAC Article on all of the Softball Awards CLICK HERE

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The 2012 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference softball awards have been announced. The Lady Cards were well represented throughout and 8 different Cardinals earned accolades. Four of those eight individuals earned at least two different awards.

Senior Jeni Bollenbacher was named to the conference All-Academic Team, named an All-American Scholar Athlete, earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors, earned the Champions of Character Award, and was named Pitcher of the Week back on April 3^rd.

Senior Karen Greficz and junior Grace Muller were both named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference Team as well as the All-Academic Team.

Freshman Angela Martin was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference Team and also was named Player of the Week back on April 24^th.

Seniors Catherine Herriman and Erica Hayworth were both named to the All-Academic Team while fellow senior Erin DiRobbio was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference Team.

Cardinals Head Coach Greg Brierley in his first season lead Concordia to a 23-23 season capturing 4^th place in the WHAC and was named Co-Coach of the Year along with Davenport's Ronda Varnesdeel.

The Cardinals had a fine season surpassing win totals over the last decade and also setting the school record with a 10 game winning streak. A number of Cardinals also etched their names into the history books as all-time leaders in a number of Concordia records. Look for those records to be posted shortly.

Congratulations Cardinals on a superb season.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia Softball team finished the regular season with a 22-21 overall record and a 6-8 record in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. With the 6-8 record the Cardinals placed 4^th in the WHAC after holding the tie breaker over Indiana Tech and Cornerstone University. The Cardinals will now play the #5 seed Indiana Tech in the opening round of the conference tournament. The tournament begins on Thursday May 3^rd at 3pm. All 8 teams will be playing at Bailey Park in Battle Creek Michigan. Bailey Park has a number of softball fields that surrounds the complex so all four games will be going on at once. Following the 3pm game all 8 teams will play again at 6pm as the tournament is a double elimination tourney.

The Cardinals split the regular season meeting against Indiana Tech winning the first game (8-6) of the double header back on April 21^st and then falling in game two (3-11). The Cardinals have been very sharp as of late as they are 6-2 in their last 8 games. Good Luck Cards.

To read the WHAC article on Angela CLICK HERE

(Ann Arbor, MI) - Cardinals' freshman Angela Martin was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Week for her outstanding performances last week as the Cardinals went 5-1. In the week the Lady Cards swept WHAC opponents University of Michigan Dearborn and Cornerstone University and split with Indiana Institute of Technology. The Roseville, MI native had a monster week as she went 11-20 (.550) with a slugging percentage of .720. Martin hit her 2^nd homer of the year while driving in 7 RBIs, scoring 6 runs, and stealing 2 bases. The Cardinals recently split with tip seeded Davenport University this week which brings their overall record to 22-21 and their WHAC record to 6-8 which currently puts them in 4^th place.

Congratulations to Angela Martin on being the WHAC Player of the Week!

(Fort Wayne, IN) - The Concordia Cardinals Softball team traveled to Indiana on Saturday and then to Grand Rapids Sunday to take on the Warriors of Indiana Tech and the Golden Eagles of Cornerstone University.

Game one versus the Warriors kept a 3 game win streak alive for the Cards. Senior pitcher, Jeni Bollenbacher was on the mound in game one throwing a complete game. Jeni gave up 9 hits 3 earned runs 3 walks while striking out 5. Tech struck first in the 2^nd inning scoring one run on 2 hits. The Cardinals answered in the 3^rd when senior Erin DiRobbio doubled and advanced to third on senior Karen Greficz's single. Greficz would steal second drawing a bad throw from the catcher scoring DiRobbio from third. Tech would strike again in the 3^rd scoring 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 error but in the top of the 4^th senior Catherine Herriman would score on a couple errors made by the Warriors defense. The Warriors would then score 3 runs in the bottom of the 5^th inning extending their lead to 6-2. The Cards were quick to answer Techs big inning with a big inning of their own in the 6^th. Freshman Angela Martin would lead off the inning with a single followed by a Bollenbacher double to score Martin. Junior Krisitna Butcher would then single to score Bollenbacher from second. Jessica Kehoe was put in to pinch run for Butcher. Junior Grace Muller and senior Erica Hayworth would both single to load the bases. Freshman Karlee Schaus would reach on fielder's choice and Kehoe would score on error by the pitcher. Freshman Taylor Aeschliman would come into pinch hit for the Cards and would help plate two more on a wild throw by the pitcher trying to throw Aeschliman out at first. The Cardinals would tack on one more run in the top of the 7^th and hold the Warriors in the bottom half of the inning, winning the game 8-6.

The Warriors would break Concordia's win streak in a disappointing game two for the Cards. The Cards struck first with a single by Martin who would late score on a double by Bollenbacher. The Warriors would quickly answer scoring 4 runs on 4 hits and 1 error in the bottom of the inning. Concordia would strike again in the 2^nd starting the inning off with a single by Hayworth who would then advance to third on a double DiRobbio. Martin would single and scoring both Hayworth and DiRobbio bringing the score to 4-3 in favor of Indiana Tech. The Warriors bats stayed hot the entire game scoring 2 runs in the 2^nd, 3 runs in the 4^th, and then 2 runs in the 5^th to end the game in a mercy rule. The final score was 11-3.

Sunday the Cardinals looked to regain momentum and start another winning streak when they took on the Golden Eagles of Cornerstone University. In game one Concordia would yet again strike first when Greficz was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a single by Martin. Martin would then steal second putting runners on second and third for Bollenbacher. Bollenbacher would single scoring Greficz and Martin and advance all the way to third on an error by the right fielder. Bollenbacher would score on ground out off the bat of Muller. Cornerstone would answer with 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st off of 4 hits and 1 error. In the top of the 2^nd DiRobbio would reach on a throwing error by the catcher, steal second and then advance to third on another throwing error by the catcher. Greficz would then single to score DiRobbio. Greficz would steal second and third base and soon after score on another single by Martin. In the 3^rd Kristina Butcher would lead of the inning with a single but would be thrown out at second on a fielder's choice off the bat of Herriman. Herriman would steal second and make it all the way to third on great heads up base running as the catcher could not find the ball. Trying to throw Herriman out at third the ball would skid past the third baseman and Herriman would come around and score. The Eagles weren't finished as they would score 1 in the 4^th and then put the tying run on 2^nd in the 7^th. With the score 6-4 and runners on 2^nd and 3^rd the Cardinals coaching staff decided to intentially walk Cornerstone's Carlson who was already 3-3 in the game. This risky move would put the winning run on first base. But the Cardinals' staff had confidence in their ace, Bollenbacher, who came in in the 7^th to close the door. With the bases loaded Bollenbacher would fall behind 2-0 on the hitter before coming back with 3 straight strikes ending the game. Sophomore Jessica White started on the mound for the Cardinals pitching 1.1 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 2 before senior Catherine Herriman took the mound for the first time this year. Herriman was superb pitching 4.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits. Bollenbacher would slam the door in the 7^th with 2 strikeouts notching her second save of the season as the Cardinals beat Cornerstone in game one 6-4.

Game two was another exciting game. Cornerstone would score once in the 1^st but was unable to score again in the game. Concordia scored their first run in the 5^th when Herriman singled and advanced to second on Hayworth's sac bunt. Senior Breannea King would single moving Herriman to third, followed by a ground out by DiRobbio which would plate Herriman. The Cards would score the go ahead run in the 6^th with another single by Martin who would advance to second on a Bollenbacher ground out. A huge 2 out single by Muller would score Martin and seal the Golden Eagles fate as the Lady Cards would take game two by a score of 2-1. Bollenbacher pitched a complete game giving up only 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 3.

The Cardinals next game is the final regular season WHAC conference game at home against Davenport University on Wednesday April 25^th. The first pitch will be thrown at 4 pm. Good luck Cards!

(Dearborn, MI) - The Concordia Softball team took on the Wolves of University of Michigan-Dearborn this past Tuesday in a WHAC double header. In game one the Cards took the lead in the first inning when Karen Greficz walked then stole second, later scoring on an error by the Wolves. Dearborn struck back right away scoring in the first and then again in the second to take a 2-1 lead. The Cards bats came alive in the 5^th scoring 7 runs on 6 hits and 3 errors. The inning started with 4 straight singles by Karlee Schaus, Erin DiRobbio, Greficz and Angela Martin. All 4 players would score in the inning. Catherine Herriman and Erica Hayworth would have the other two hits in the inning scoring Grace Muller and Kristina Butcher who both reached on errors. The Cardinals defense shut down the Wolves for the next three innings winning the game 8-2. Senior pitcher Jeni Bollenbacher dominated on the mound throwing a complete game and only giving up 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 7.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - This past Sunday, April 15^th Concordia's Softball team honored six members of their program on senior day. The ceremony for the six seniors went very well, although the two games against conference foe Aquinas College did not turn out how the Cardinals would have liked.

In game one, the Saints and the Cardinals were in a tight battle until the 7^th inning when the Saints broke free and claimed the win. Trailing by 1 Concordia would tie the game in the 4^th inning when senior Karen Greficz singled and then stole second. Greficz would later score off of junior Kristina Butcher's 2 out single. The game would remain tied until the 6^th when Aquinas' cleanup hitter would hit a two run homer to put the Saints up 3-1. The wheels would fall off in the 7^th as the Saints would score 9 and walk away with a 12-1 win over the Cardinals in a disappointing game one for Concordia. Aquinas pitcher, Carlie Giarmo dominated on the mound pitching all 7 innings holding the Cards to only one run. Senior Jeni Bollenbacher pitched 6 innings for the Cards before freshman pitcher Madison Brewer went in to close the game. Bollenbacher had a solid day on the mound up until the late innings.

The senior day ceremony took place in between the games honoring #7 Karen Greficz, #8 Jeni Bollenbacher, #9 Erin Dirobbio, #14 Erica Hayworth, #18 Catherine Herriman, and #22 Breannea King. Shortly following the ceremony was game two. Game two was another disappointing game for the Cardinals as the game ended in 5 innings with a score of 11-0. The Saints bats were hot and stayed hot throughout the game scoring runs in all 5 innings. Tiffani Jagielski started on the mound for the Cards and pitched 4 innings. Jessica White went in to pitch in the 5^th inning but had a short outing. Jeni Bollenbacher went in to relieve White in the 5^th. Freshman Angela Martin and senior Erin DiRobbio both doubled in game two but were unable to score.

The Cardinals next game is on the road against the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Tuesday, April 17^th. The Cards will look to rebound against the Wolves. Good Luck Cards.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia University Softball team opened up conference play on Tuesday this week against Siena Heights University. The Cardinals were fresh off a 10 game winning streak coming into the match-up with the Saints but would lose game one in extra innings 5-4 and also lose the second 8-2.

Siena Heights drew first blood in game one, going up 3-0 on the Cardinals in the fourth and then tacking on another run in fifth inning. In the bottom of the fifth Concordia was able to score two runs, thanks in part to a double from center fielder Erin DiRobbio. While down 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cardinals were able to deliver four hits and tie the game up under pressure. Saints second basemen Anna Alcorta wasted no time untying things in the following half inning, driving her first pitch over the center field wall. In the bottom of the 8^th the Cardinals looked to tie things up once again but were finally beaten when a two-out throw with a runner on third beat Karen Greficz to first base by a hair's breadth. Jeni Bollenbacher received the loss for the red and black, while O'Hotzke picks up the win for the Saints.

The Saints struck early in game two, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning, putting pressure on the Cardinals from the start of the game. The Cardinals defense which is normally locked down struggle in this game committing 5 uncommon errors. Concordia would score one run in both the third and fifth innings to make the score 8-2 by the sixth. Here the red and black had their best scoring opportunity with the bases loaded and two out, but failed to capitalize, eventually falling to the Saints. Jeni Bollenbacher received the loss in game two and Morgan Warfield was credited with the win for Siena Heights.

The Cardinal Softball team will take on the Crusaders of Madonna University next Wednesday, April 11 in Livonia at 4:00 pm.

To read the WHAC Article on Jeni CLICK HERE

(Ann Arbor, MI) - Cardinals' senior Jeni Bollenbacher was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week for her outstanding performances last week in the Cardinals' sweeps over Calvin College and Olivet College. The Cardinals beat Calvin 6-4 and 6-5 and then went on to beat Olivet a few days later 2-1 and 9-6. The Edwardsburg native grabbed 3 wins and a save in the four games. In 19.2 innings of work Bollenbacher had a sub 1 ERA (0.71) and struck out 20 hitters. At the time the Cardinals had won eight straight and they went on to win 10 straight this past Monday to set a new school record.

Congratulations to Jeni Bollenbacher on being the WHAC Pitcher of the Week!

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia Softball broke their own school record on Monday as they now have won 10 straight games going into their conference opener on Tuesday against Siena Heights. The Cards are now 14-13 on the season and 9 of those 13 losses have come to high nationally ranked NAIA teams or very good NCAA DII teams. The 14 wins are the most Concordia Softball has had since 2002 and the Cardinals still have half of the season to go.

The Cardinals won their seventh and eighth straight this past Saturday at Olivet College. The Cardinals won game one 2-1 and then won game two 9-6. Karen Greficz was 3 for 6 on the day with 3 runs scored. Jeni Bollenbacher was 3-7 with 3 RBIs and a run while Kristina Butcher was 3-7 with 2 RBIs and a run. Grace Muller and Erica Hayworth both went deep for the Cards in game two for their second and first homeruns of the season, respectively. Muller shot was a two run bomb while Hayworth's was a solo shot. Getting the wins for both games for the Cardinals was Jeni Bollenbacher. She pitched 7 innings in game 1 scattering 10 hits while striking out 7 and only giving up 1 run. In game two she came in relief and went 3.2 innings, scattered 5 hits, struck out 3, and didn't give up a run.

The Cardinals then were back in action on Monday against Kalamazoo College. The Cardinals would beat the Hornets in both games 4-2 and 6-1 for their ninth and record breaking tenth straight win. Leading the way at the plate was Greficz once again as she was 6 for 6 on the day, scored 3 times, and stole 3 bases. Bollenbacher was 3-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, and 3 steals while Muller and Butcher were both 2-4 with 2 and 3 RBIs respectively. Freshman, Madison Brewer would get the win for the Cardinals in game one as she dominated throwing 5 innings, only giving up 1 run on two hits while striking out three. In game two sophomore, Jessica White dominated for the Cards as she threw all 7 innings giving up just 1 run on 6 hits.

The Cardinals' staff had this to say about the record; "this being our first seaon with the girls we didn't really go through the ups and downs which a lot of these girls did but we couldn't be more thrilled for them.  They excitment they have for the game makes us love doing what we are doing.  They are extremely hard working girls and we are glad it is paying off for them.  The 10 straight wins is a great feeling but we know our work isn't done.  Conference begins tomorrow and everyone's record is 0-0!"

The Cardinals will look to keep their streak alive on Tuesday as the begin conference play at home in a double header against Siena Heights University. The first is set for 4:00pm. Come on out and support your Lady Cardinals.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Cardinals' Softball team continues to push forward and get better every game as they are now on a six game win streak. This streak is the longest streak the Cardinals have had over the past few seasons and they have already surpassed their win total from the last five seasons. The Cards swept teams this past Friday, Saturday, and Monday putting their record at 10-13 on the season.

On Friday the Cardinals took on the Britons of Albion College. With the outstanding efforts by senior pitcher Jeni Bollenbacher, pitching 14 innings and allowing no runs, the Cards would go on to sweep the Britons winning game one 1-0 and game two 2-0. In game one, Bollenbacher allowed just 2 hits in 7 innings while striking out 4 and not allowing a single walk. At the plate Concordia's bats were quite most of game one, only scoring one run in the bottom of the 4^th inning off of senior Catherine Herriman's triple. Junior catcher, Grace Muller and seniors Catherine Herriman and Erica Hayworth were all 1 for 2 in the game. In game two, Bollenbacher was dominating once again not allowing a single run while giving up just 3 hits. The Cardinals were more active in game two scattering 8 hits; however they could only muster 2 runs. Concordia would strike early when senior Karen Greficz would reach on an infield single and then would come around to score on a sac bunt by Angela Martin and an overthrow by Albion's first baseman. Later that inning Angela Martin would steal home to give the Cardinals their second and final run. Greficz and Muller were both 2-3 in game two while Bollenbacher, Kristina Butcher, and Karlee Schaus were all 1-2.

The Cardinals went back into action on Saturday as they traveled to Spring Arbor to take on the Cougars in a double header. In game one Jeni Bollenbacher continued her dominance as she once again shut out another team. Bollenbacher pitched 7 innings only giving up 3 hits and 1 walk with 3 strikeouts. The Cardinals bats smashed 11 hits which plated 5 runs in game one as they beat the Cougars 5-0.

In the 1^st inning Karen Greficz singled and came around to score on a grounder to short stop off the bat of Bollenbacher. The Cards would strike again in the 3^rd when senior, Erin DiRobbio, doubled to start the inning and then scored off a single from Greficz. Greficz would later score in the inning off a single from Bollenbacher. The Cards would add another run in the 4^th as senior, Catherine Herriman, would come across the plate after hitting a single earlier in the inning. Concordia was not finished and would add another run in the 7^th. The run would come after a pinch hit double from freshman Taylor Aeschliman and then another double from Bollenbacher. The game would end with the Cards on top of a 5-0 score. In the game Greficz was 2-3 with 2 runs and a RBI, Bollenbacher would go 3-4 with 3 RBI's while Herriman was 2-3 with a run.

Bollenbacher would go back on the mound for the Cards in game two. She would go on to earn her fourth straight win as she gave up 3 runs on 9 hits while striking out 2. The Cardinals would again jump on the board early scoring 2 runs off of 3 singles from Martin, Bollenbacher, and Butcher. Spring Arbor would score once in the 3^rd and once in the 6^th to tie the game at 2-2. In the 7^th Concordia's bats would come alive scoring 4 runs on 5 hits to put the Cards up 6-2. Greficz and Martin would both reach on a pair of singles to start the inning, then with two outs and runners on 1^st and 2^nd Cardinals' junior, Kristina Butcher, would come up with a clutch single to score Greficz from 2^nd. Grace Muller would then smash a double scoring Martin putting the Cardinals up 4-2. The Lady Cards weren't finished as freshman, Taylor Aeschliman, would again come up big with a pinch hit single scoring two making the score 6-2. The Cougars would go on to score one in the bottom half of the inning but that was it as the Cardinals would sweep the Cougars with a 6-3 win. Leading the Cards at the plate in game two was Aeschliman who was 1-1 with 2 RBI's, Butcher who went 2-3 with a run and a RBI, Bollenbacher who was 2-4 with a run and a RBI, and Martin who was 2-4 with 2 runs.

The Cardinals would have Sunday off and then were back on the road Monday as they traveled to Grand Rapids to face the Knights of Calvin College. Senior Jeni Bollenbacher would take the mound once again in game one giving up 4 runs (1 earned), on 5 hits while striking out 7. The Lady Cards bats stayed hot as they put up 6 runs on 11 hits as they beat the Knights 6-4. The Cardinals struck first scoring in the 3^rd on a Breannea King walk followed by a double from Erin DiRobbio. Calvin would answer by scoring two runs in the bottom half of the inning but Concordia would quickly recover scoring 2 runs in the top on the 4^th. The Cards would extend their lead in the 5^th on a double by Bollenbacher which would plate Angela Martin. Calvin would close in on the Cards on a 2 run homer which tied the score at 4-4. The Cardinals' bats would answer again with a run in the 6^th off a clutch two-out single by Karen Greficz and then again in the 7^th off of a double by Grace Muller which plated Bollenbacher. The game would end 6-4 in favor of the Cardinals.

In game two junior Tiffani Jagielski would start on the mound for the Cards. Tiffani pitched 5 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 1 and not allowing a single walk. Bollenbacher would see herself back on the mound in game two to close out the game. Bollenbacher would pitch the final 2 innings giving up 2 hits, 1 unearned run, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Calvin would score first in game two on a 2 run homer by their power hitter Avila. The Cards would add their first run in the top of the 3^rd making the score 1-2. In the 4^th Calvin would score again off another 2 run homer by Avila putting Calvin up 4-1. Concordia would rally in the 5^th inning. Catherine Herriman would walk and steal second to start the inning. Breannea King would hit a towering fly ball to right fielder which would be dropped and would score Herriman with King reaching third on the play. Erin DiRobbio would single to score Breannea to bring the score to 3-4. Greficz would single and advanced DiRobbio who then would score on a Martin single but Calvin would throw Greficz out at 3^rd on the play. Martin would then score on a Bollenbacher single making the score 5-4. Concordia would score a crucial run again in the 7^th to extend their lead 6-4. The Cards got in a tight spot in the bottom of the 7^th with two outs bases loaded and Calvin's slugger Avila at the plate. Avila was already 3-3 in the game with 2 bombs which plated all 4 of Calvin's runs. The Cardinals' coaching staff decided to walk Avila even though it would plate a run (Avila's two homeruns earlier were her 6^th and 7^th on the year in only 14 games). With the score 6-5 the Cards took their chances against Calvin's five-hole hitter Brownlee. Bollenbacher would strike Brownlee out in four pitches as the Cards would take their sixth game in a row with the 6-5 over Calvin.

The Cardinals coaching staff had this to say about the tough decision of walking in a run; "as a staff we decided that we weren't going to let Avila beat us. She is an unbelievable hitter with tremendous power and we all agreed to give up the run and walk her even if she was only 1-4 against Jeni (Bollenbacher) in game one. We had confidence in the Jeni vs Brownlee matchup. Brownlee is also a tremendous hitter for Calvin but she was 0-3 against Jeni on the day so we went with that decision and thankfully it worked in our favor."

The Cardinals next game will be on Friday, March 30^th at home against Kalamazoo College. First pitch will be thrown at 3:30pm.  Come on out and support your Lady Cardinals. 

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia University Softball team was back in action on Wednesday as they took on the Yellow Jackets from Cedarville University. Coming into the game the NCAA DII Yellow Jackets were 10-10 while the Lady Cards sat at 4-11. The Cardinals 4-11 record is deceiving as their schedule early on has been extremely tough as they have played five games against NAIA nationally ranked teams and four games against NCAA DII teams. All nine of these games the Cardinals have been on the losing end.

The Cardinals were hoping to start another win streak but the Yellow Jackets narrowly flew by as they won both games by 1 run. Both games seemed to tell the same story as one bad inning for the Cards would cost them the double header. In game one the Cardinals would jump out to an early 1 nothing lead but a bad second inning would seal the Cardinals fate. The Yellow Jackets would score all 5 of their runs in the second inning on 4 hits and 1 error. The Cardinals would chip away and would pull within one but the game would end 5-4 in favor of Cedarville.

Game two was a familiar story as the Cardinals jumped out to an early 2-1 lead but another bad inning would haunt Concordia. Cedarville would score 4 runs in the fourth on 5 hits and would take a 5-2 lead. Concordia would fight back scoring 2 runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh to pull within one. With runners on second and third and two outs a single could win the ball game for Concordia, but Cedarville's starter Courtnie Spain closed the door with a strikeout to end the game.

A number of Cardinals had good days at the plate as Kristina Butcher was 3-7 with an RBI, Grace Muller was 3-7 with 3 runs, Erica Hayworth was 2-5 with a run and 2 RBIs, and Breannea King was 3-3 with 3 RBIs.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia University Softball team took on Adrian College this past Saturday in a St. Patrick's Day double header. The lady Cardinals, who had gotten off to a slow start down south against a few nationally ranked teams, were able to put both games in the win column, beating the Bulldogs 4-3 and 7-3. The Cardinals continued to stay hot since returning home as they have now won 4 straight. The four game winning streak in the Cardinals longest winning streak in last few years.

Adrian College hit a double and a single in the first two at-bats of game one, which helped to open the scoring, 1-0 in their favor. But the Cardinals answered right back with two runs of their own, courtesy of a two-out, two-RBI double from catcher Grace Muller. The Bulldogs pulled ahead again in the third inning on three hits and an error, but again, the Cardinals retaliated, this time tying the game with an RBI triple by Cardinal first baseman Kristina Butcher. The score would remain 3-3 and the game go into extra innings, where in the 8^th Concordia scored the winning run on a bases loaded play at the plate. Again it would be Butcher who would come through with a huge RBI. A hard shot to the second baseman would cause the fielder to fumble the ball for a split second which would cause her throw to the plate to be late. Jeni Bollenbacher went all eight innings for the red and black, giving up 3 earned runs on 10 hits and picked up the win to improve to 2-5 on the season.

The Cardinals were first to strike in game two, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Adrian would tie the game in the top of the second on two hits and error, leaving the bases loaded. Concordia broke the game open in the fourth inning when they scored four runs with two outs on one hit, making it 7-2. This would be more than enough support for Cardinal starter Madison Brewer, who went all seven innings and gave up just 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits and picked the win, improving to 2-2 for the year.

Top performers from Saturday include Grace Muller, who went 3-6 with 4 RBIs. The Cardinal Softball team takes on Findlay University today in another home double header at 3:30 pm. Come on out and support your Lady Cardinals.

The Cardinals would be placed in the Silver Bracket of the tournament on Saturday. Their first match up was against the Bearcats of Brescia University. This game was all about the Cardinals bats as they racked up 10 hits, 3 of which were homeruns, as they beat the Bearcats 5-0. Freshman, Angela Martin would come across the plate first for the Cardinals as they once again struck early on. Cardinals' senior, Erica Hayworth, would blast her first homer of the year in the 4^th for the Cards second run. Senior, Jeni Bollenbacher, would add another run to the scoreboard as she sent her first homer of the year flying in the 5^th inning. Junior, Ashley Chang, who was pinch running for junior ,Kristina Butcher scored on a single from senior, Breannea King to add the fourth run for the Lady Cards. Angela Martin would then hit her first homerun of the season in the 6^th to put the Cards up 5-0. The Cardinals went on to hold Brescia from scoring any runs to win the game 5-0. Jeni Bollenbacher pitched all 7 innings giving up only 5 hits while striking out 4. Brescia's Harbold pitched 6 innings giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits and had 4 strikeouts.

Hayworth finished the game going 2 for 3 with a run and a RBI, Bollenbacher would go on to be 2 for 4 with a run and a RBI, while Martin went 2 for 3 with 2 runs and a RBI

In the final game of the tournament the Cardinals would have a rematch against Bluefield State University. The Cardinals bats were yet again quiet up until the 4^th inning when they rallied to score 3 runs. Three straight singles by Bollenbacher, Butcher, and Grace Muller would put the Cardinals in front 1-0. A Hayworth walk and then a King single would add two more runs to extend the Cardinals lead to 3-0. The Cards would rally again in the 5^th scoring 3 more runs. The 5^th would be a familiar story as the 4^th. It started with a Martin walk followed by three straight singles by Bollenbacher, Butcher, and Muller which would plate Martin. Bollenbacher would score on a fielder's choice off of the bat of Hayworth and Muller would score off of a fielder's choice from freshman, Kara Fox's batted ball. The Lady Cards were up 6-0 going into the 6^th inning but they were not finished. Martin singled to start off the inning followed by a Bollenbacher walked. With two on, Kristina Butcher blasted her first homer of the season over the center field fence ending the game in walk off fashion in a mercy rule (9-0).

In this game Butcher would go 3 for 3 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, Muller was 2 for 2 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, Bollenbacher went 2 for 3 with 3 runs, and Martin went 2 for 3 with 3 runs. Freshman, Madison Brewer, was dominating on the mound pitching all 6 innings giving up just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3. Bluefield pitcher Whited pitched 5 innings giving up 9 runs on 11 hits with 6 walks and 4 strike outs.

With the two wins the Concordia would win the Silver Bracket and bring home a plaque for their efforts. The Cardinals next game will be their home opener on Saturday, March 17^th against Adrian College. The first game starts at 12 and the second game starts shortly after. Come on out and cheer on your Lady Cards.

NOTES:  The Cardinals win against Brescia University gives Head Coach Greg Brierley his first win as a head coach.  Congratulations Greg!

The lady Cards took the trip to Indiana this past weekend to participate in the Indiana Southeast tournament. The Cardinals first match up of the tournament was against Bluefield State College on Friday. The Cardinals bats were quiet most of the game as the scattered five hits. Erin DiRobbio, Jessica White, Karen Greficz, Kristina Butcher, and Grace Muller all had a hit in the contest. The Cardinals had four different pitchers make an appearance during this match up. Jessica White started on the mound for the Cards throwing 3.1 innings and giving up 2 earned runs on 2 hits. Tiffani Jagielski threw the next 1.2 innings before Taylor Aeschliman took the mound. Tiffani gave up just 1 hit and had 2 strikeouts. Aeschliman threw 1.1 innings and gave up 2 runs, none of which were earned, on 2 hits with 1 strikeout. Madison Brewer would finish the game pitching 0.2 innings for the Cardinals. The lady Cards would come up short losing to Bluefield State 5 to 0. Bluefield's pitcher Myles pitched 7 innings giving up 5 hits and 0 runs. Myles had 3 strikeouts and only walked 2 batters.

In game 2 on Friday the Cardinals faced the tournament host, Indiana Southeast. The Cardinals took an early lead in the 1^st when junior, Grace Muller, singled to right to score freshman Angela Martin. But Southeast answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning when Batliner tripled and scored Toney (unearned) with two outs. Southeast would score again in the 3^rd off a solo homerun by Alford. The Cards rallied in the 4^th scoring 4 runs to take the lead 5-2. Southeast answered in the bottom of the 5^th scoring 2 runs of their own to tighten up the score at 5-4. The Cardinals could not muster another run across the plate in their final at bats and despite their efforts the Lady Cards would drop game two 6-5 when Southeast scored 2 unearned runs in the 7^th inning to win the game. Although it was a tough loss, the Cardinals bats were hot in game two. Senior, Jeni Bollenbacher and junior, Grace Muller both went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI. Senior, Erin DiRobbio went 2 for 4 with 1 run while freshman, Angela Martin went 1 for 3 with 2 runs and 1 RBI. Bollenbacher pitched game 2 pitching 6.2 innings giving up 10 hits, 3 earned runs and striking out 5. Southeast sent 3 pitchers to the mound in the game. Eckstein pitched 3 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts. Batliner was only on the mound for 0.1 innings and gave up 2 runs on 0 hits and 2 walks with 1 strikeout. Swain closed the game for Southeast throwing 3.2 innings and giving up 2 runs on 2 hits with 8 strikeouts.

The Cardinals would play two more games on Saturday against Brescia University and then a rematch against Bluefield State College.  Look for that article to come soon.

(Mobile, AL) - The Concordia University Softball team rounded off its spring trip Monday, with a match against conference opponent Madonna University. Both teams have gotten off to a slow start this season, the Crusaders coming into play with just one victory and the Cardinals looking for their first win of 2012. In the end, Madonna would best the Cardinals 3-1.

The first run of the game came during the bottom of the second inning on a 2-out, double-single combination from Crusader hitting. Madonna would score again in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch to go up 2-0. The Cardinal bats were quiet for much of the game, but they would look to rally in the sixth. Cardinal senior Erin Dirobbio would triple and then score on a 2 out hit by fellow senior Jeni Bollenbacher. Bollenbacher would move up to second base but would be stranded there. Madonna would add a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning and that's how the game would end. The Cardinals defense was superb throughout the game as they turned two double plays and committed no errors. Tiffani Jagielski started on the mound for Concordia and threw well, going 5.2 innings and giving up 3 runs on 6 hits. Hallie Minch threw a complete game for Madonna, giving up 1 run on 5 hits throughout and picked up her first win of the season.

The Cardinal Softball team travels south this weekend to participate in the Indiana University Southeast Tournament. The Lady Cards will play four games in the tournament with the first game against Bluefield State College on March 9^th at 11:00am. They will then return to Michigan for double header against Adrian College on March 17.

(Mobile, AL) - The Concordia University Softball team scuffled this past week as they opened their season in Hattiesburg, MS and then in Mobile, AL. The Lady Cards early season schedule is tough as their first four games are against two highly ranked teams in the NAIA. The Cardinals opened up their season against the #16 ranked Crusaders of William Carey University and then went on to play the #22 ranked University of Mobile Rams. Both teams remain undefeated on the season (both 8-0) after playing the Cardinals, while Concordia's overall record comes to 0-4. Last season William Carey was ranked 3rd and sported a 54-8 record, while University of Mobile was ranked 21^st and held a 36-18 record.

In the Cards season opener against William Carey Jeni Bollenbacher started on the mound for Concordia and pitched well, giving up just 2 hits and a walk during her 6-inning performance. Despite the solid performance, Bollenbacher was saddled with the loss as the Cardinals couldn't mount enough offense against the Crusaders in game one. William Carey had their ace on the mound (Alyssa Boutwell) and she showed her stuff in game one. She improves to 4-0 on the season with a 0.67 ERA as her team goes on to a 3-0 win against the Cards.

The Cardinals would play the second game more tightly, keeping their opponent scoreless through three innings, but in the fourth, the Crusaders broke through with all six of their runs. Madison Brewer started game two for Concordia, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits while walking 4 and was given the loss in this contest. The Cardinals struggled again to put up runs and William Carey went on to win 6-0.

After a rain out the Cardinals resumed play the following day and headed to Alabama to take on the Rams from the University of Mobile. Game one saw starting pitcher Madison Brewer take the mound again for Concordia. She lasted 2.2 innings and gave up 7 runs, however just 1 was earned. The Cardinals defense behind Brewer was inconsistent and Thursday's game would last just five innings after the Rams scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to win by a final score of 10-0. Karen Greficz and Kristina Butcher were both 1-2 for the Cards.

Game two against the Rams brought Jeni Bollenbacher back to mound, who went 6 innings and gave up 4 runs on 9 hits. The Cardinals broke through against Mobile pitcher Pence in the final inning but would go on to lose the contest by a score of 5-1. Cardinal freshman, Dana Ford, was 2-3 with a run, while Cardinal junior, Heather Jarka, was 1-1 with an RBI.

The Concordia Softball team now looks to take on Spring Hill College today in a double header and then again on Saturday in another two game series. Good Luck Cards.