SAU Tops No. 7 Marian Behind Underwood’s Big Day

INDIANAPOLIS – The Spring Arbor University softball team earned a marquee win on Wednesday, taking down No. 7 Marian University 5-2 in game one behind a dominant all-around performance from Emilee Underwood.

The Cougars were unable to complete the sweep, falling 7-1 in the nightcap.

With the results, Spring Arbor moves to 16-10 overall and 7-5 in Crossroads League play.

In game one, Underwood led the way both at the plate and in the circle. The junior drove in three runs, including a two-run home run in the second inning that gave SAU a lead it would not relinquish.

Underwood was equally impressive in the circle, tossing her 10th complete game of the season while limiting one of the top offenses in the country to just two runs and striking out five.

Payton Grange added a strong offensive showing, going 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs, while Matajia Cerroni recorded a triple and scored twice.

In the nightcap, Marian jumped out early with four runs in the first inning and maintained control throughout. Spring Arbor was limited to one run on six hits, as the Cougars were unable to find the same offensive rhythm from the opener.

Cerroni continued her solid day at the plate with a double, while Brooke Meeker accounted for the Cougars' lone run.

Ava Poulson provided strong relief, holding Marian scoreless over 3+ innings, but Marian added three runs in the fifth to extend its lead.

Spring Arbor returns home on Saturday, March 28 to host Goshen College, with first pitch set for 1 p.m.