LEESBURG, Fla. – The Catholic University softball team fell to Bates College, and Wheaton College (Mass.) on day one of its trip to The Spring Games.

Game 1: Bates 1, Catholic 0

Junior Sabrina Scott got the start of the Cards in the circle and posted an impressive six innings. Scott recorded three strikeouts, no walks and allowed six hits. It was a defensive game on both ends of the ball. Freshman Marissa Bruder, sophomore Taylor Forgen, sophomore Makayla Czan, and junior Kacie Badolato totaled for Catholic's four hits.

The Cardinals got off to a quick start loading the bases in the top of first. Sophomore Forgen singled to the left side, followed by back to back walks for Czan and sophomore Juliet Lodes, but were unable to convert the opportunity into runs.

In the top of the second, Badolato singled to right field for the only hit of the inning. The Catholic defense stepped up in the bottom for a three up, three down inning.

The game stayed scoreless through two and a half innings before Bates scored a run to take the lead, which would become the game-winning run.

The remainder of the game was largely controlled by tough pitching and defense, not allowing another run to be scored.

Game 2: Wheaton 3, Catholic 2

Junior Sabrina Scott and sophomore Allie Lajeunesse led the team at the plate, going 2-3. Scott also recorded two RBI's for the Cardinals. Junior Claire Sturek started the game for the Cards in the circle, posting seven strikeouts, five walks, and giving up four hits in her season debut.

Wheaton came out of the gate swinging, recording three of their four hits in the first inning to go up 2-0. But the Cardinals responded in the bottom of the first. Freshman Marissa Bruder led off with a single to third base, then stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. Sophomore Makayla Czan drew the walk and took second base before Scott singled to center, scoring both Czan and Bruder.

The second and third innings were evenly played with neither team recording a hit. 

The pitching staff for the Cards kept Catholic alive in the final three innings. Sturek stepped up big in the top of the fifth forcing a three up, three down inning with two strikeouts. Scott then entered the circle and recorded three strikeouts and with the help of her defense forced two more 1, 2, 3 innings.

In the bottom of the seventh, Lajeuness singled to left field to start the inning. Sophomore McKenzie Plante entered the game to pinch run for Lajeuness. Junior Kacie Badolato laid down the sacrifice bunt to move Plante into scoring position. Freshman Bella Ronca then grounded out to the shortstop, advancing Plante to third. But with two outs the Cardinals fell short.

Catholic is back on the field Sunday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m. against Bridgewater State University and at 3:45 p.m. against Newbury College.