Eagles are Headed to the Title Game of the Marion Bracket!
Marion, Ind. - Reinhardt Softball has punched their ticket to the NAIA Softball Opening Round Marion Bracket Championship game. The Eagles knocked off Rio Grande on Tuesday, 7-1, which is their third win in a row in the bracket. The Eagles have to wait until Wednesday afternoon to see who their opponent will be in the finals.
From the outset, the Eagles took control of the game, with significant contributions from players who took an aggressive offensive stance. Eryn Lee and Kyra Lightner were pivotal in the team's strong performance, making critical plays that set the tone early in the game. Taylor Haymans, starting pitcher for the Eagles, displayed commendable control and strategy from the mound, which kept the Red Storm at bay throughout the game.
Offensively, Reinhardt's lineup had a great game three of the tournament. Eryn Lee, Taylor Wade, Maddie Wright, Kyra Lightner, Molly Stevens, Mallory Lumpkins, and Maggie English all scored runs, effectively dismantling Rio Grande's defense. Notable RBIs were made by Maddie Wright and Kyra Lightner, who both drove in two runs each, complemented by single RBIs from Stevens and Lumpkins. The first inning was a turning point when a double error by Rio Grande allowed Reinhardt to score two unearned runs, securing an early lead that was maintained throughout the game. Wright led the Eagles, going 2 for 4 in the game to go with her two RBIs.
Stevens, Wright, and Shallyn Olszowy all had doubles in the game. Game two star, Kyra Lightner, and a triple, along with Mallory Lumpkins.
The Eagles got tremendous pitching performances from Haymans and Anslie Pettit. Haymans pitched the first three innings, striking out one batter and only allowing one hit and run. Anslie Pettit came in to pitch the final four innings and was once again "Lights Out' in the circle for the Eagles. Pettit struck out four batters and did not allow a run!
Reinhardt (GA)Pitchers
| Pitchers | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Haymans (W, 5-3) | 3.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Anslie Pettit (Sv, 3) | 4.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Totals | 7.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
Reinhardt will be watching on Wednesday once play begins in Indiana. They will be watching the outcome of Indiana Wesleyan and Madonna who play the early game on Wednesday. The winner of this game will take on Rio Grande late Wednesday afternoon. The winner of the second game Wednesday will move on to face the Eagles. Whichever team it is, they will need to beat the Eagles twice in order to take Reinhardt spot in the 2025 World Series.
