Eagles "Upset" the Top Seed in the Marion Bracket to Advance
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Marion, Ind. - Reinhardt Softball went into the Opening Round of the NAIA National Tournament Marion Bracket as the lowest seed (#5), but they did not let this deter them from continuing excellent softball. The Eagles won a pair of games, knocking off the #4 seed Coastal Georgia, 2-1, and then the #1 seed Madonna Crusaders to advance in the winner's bracket of the tournament. Reinhardt will take their two wins on Monday into Tuesday's game versus Rio Grande.
Game One-
Anlsie Pettit got the start in game one for the Eagles, pitching the entire game and only allowing one earned run. The AAC Pitcher of the Year had another standout performance, showcasing her skill and resilience under pressure, which played a crucial role in securing the Eagles' victory. Pettit recorded three strikeouts in the game.
Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers
| Pitchers | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anslie Pettit (W, 18-3) | 7.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Totals | 7.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
The game kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams demonstrated tight defensive plays and strategic hits. Reinhardt's lead was established through the crucial hits by Taylor Wade and Shallyn Olszowy. Wade doubled in the fourth inning, setting the stage for Maddie Wright, who singled shortly thereafter, bringing Wade home for the Eagles' first score. The game was tied at 1-1 until the fifth inning when Olszowy delivered a pivotal home run to center field, giving Reinhardt the lead and ultimately the win.
Gane Two-
In game two, Reinhardt pulled off the stunner of the Opening Round by knocking off the #1 seed Madonna Crusadiers, however, it did not come as a surprise for the Eagles. Macy Langley got the start for the Eagles and pitched 3.1 inning striking out two Crusaders. The Ace - Anslie Pettit - came back in during the fourth inning and finished out the game for the Eagles. She picked up her remarkable nineteenth win of the season for the Eagles. She struckout six and held Madonna scoreless helping the Eagles across the finish line.
Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers
| Pitchers | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macy Langley | 3.1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Anslie Pettit (W, 19-3) | 3.2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Totals | 7.0 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
The Eagles runs came from an RBI single from Taylor Wade which scored Eryn Lee in the first inning. Moments later in the first, designated hitter Ansley Hight singled scoring Wade putting the Eagles up early 2-0. The Crusaders matched the score in the bottom of the first at two all. The game stayed locked at two all until Kyra Lightner broke the tie and scored the winning runs with a two-run homer. Lightner scored Maggie English putting the Eagles up 4-2.
Reinhardt will advance to the winner's bracket game on Tuesday where they will face the Red Storm of Rio Grande University. The two wins on Monday puts the Eagles in a great advantage on Tuesday. A win by the Eagles on Tuesday will advance them to the title game, where they would have to lose two games to not advance. Opening Round coverage and results can be found here: https://www.naia.org/sports/sball/2024-25/Releases/2025_OR