WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Catholic University softball team split with Stevenson University in a nonconference doubleheader on Thursday.

Game 1: Stevenson 6, Catholic 1

The Cardinals offense struggled to get things going in game one, only recording two hits. Sophomore Makayla Czan led the Cards, going 2-2 with one RBI. In the circle, junior Claire Sturek threw five innings before being relieved by junior Sabrina Scott.

The Mustangs struck first, scoring one run on a leadoff triple and sacrifice fly.

In the second inning, Czan got things started with a single to right field. Sophomore Juliet Lodes was then hit by a pitch and sophomore Giselle Diaz reached on a fielder's choice to put runners on first and second. Junior Kacie Badolato then advanced the runners to second and third, but the runners were left stranded.

After scoreless third and fourth innings, Stevenson had a big inning, scoring five runs on four hits to take a 6-0 advantage over the Cardinals.

Catholic scored one run in the bottom of the seventh but ultimately fell short of the comeback. 

Game 2: Catholic 3, Stevenson 2

In game two, the Cards bats got hot, scoring three runs on seven hits. Sophomore Taylor Forgen went an impressive 2-3 with two RBIs. In the circle, sophomore Allie Lajeunesse earned her first win of the season, throwing five innings and only allowing four hits. Junior Sabrina Scott entered in relief to secure the Catholic win and earn her first save of the season.

Lajeunesse went to work in the circle, throwing a perfect game through three and a third innings.

With the defensive momentum, the Cards took a quick 1-0 lead in the second inning. Sophomore Giselle Diaz reached first on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on an error by the first baseman. Forgen then singled to the shortstop, scoring Diaz.

Catholic tacked on one more run in the third. Sophomore Makayla Czan led off with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from freshman Bella Ronca. Sophomore Juliet Lodes then scored Czan with a base hit to left field.

The Mustangs got on the board in the top of the fourth to close the gap to one.

However, the Cards responded in the bottom of the inning with another run to take a 3-1 advantage. Freshman Marissa Bruder put down a base hit bunt and then stole second. Forgen followed with a single, recording her second RBI of the game.

Stevenson scored one more run in the top of the sixth but could not secure the win.

The Cardinals return to the diamond for a big Landmark Conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 13 at No. 14 Moravian College. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.