FORT WAYNE, Ind. The University of Saint Francis Softball team returned back to their home field to compete against the Taylor University Trojans at Westendorf Field, Thursday afternoon in a doubleheader. The Cougars won Game 1, 5-0 and won Game 2, 5-2. 

In Game 1, Kenzie Rust gained the start on the mound striking out 1 batter and giving up 4 hits. USF gained the lead early in the game with Tori Miller hitting a home run in the 2nd inning. The Cougs continued to bring the heat into the 3rd inning, with Macie Dowd singling to leftfield, allowing Paiton Iliff to advance to third and Mady Minnich to advance home for a run. Tori Miller also fielded out to center field, allowing Macie Dowd to advance to third and Paiton Iliff to advance & score. In the bottom of the 6th, Taylor Horsley singled, allowing both Anna Smith and Abi Erwin to advance to home and score. 

Tori Miller and Taylor Horsley both went 1:2 from the plate with both having 2 RBI's each as well, with Macie Dowd going 2:3 from the plate and tallying an RBI, and Paiton Iliff and Abi Erwin both went 1:3 from the plate.  

In Game 2, Mia Werner earned her start on the mound, striking out 4 batters and giving up 3 hits.  

The Cougars gained the lead early in the game, with Anna Smith scoring on an error by the catcher in the 2nd inning. USF continued to bring the heat into the 3rd inning with Tori Miller hitting a home run yet again. The home runs didn't stop going into the 4th inning, with Paiton Iliff also hitting a home run and Tori Miller hitting her second home run of the game in the 5th inning.

Paiton Iliff also singled, allowing Anna Smith to advance to home and score on an error. The Cougs took advantage of their momentum & Dani Karr singled in the 6th inning, allowing Tori Miller to advance to third and Carly Turner to advance home.  

Brooklyn McCord, Tori Miller, Anna Smith, and Paiton Iliff all went 2:3 from the plate with Miller having 3 RBI's and Iliff having 2. Macie Dowd and Dani Karr both went 1:4 from the plate with Karr having 1 RBI. 

The Cougars will continue their season at 10-16 in the Crossroads League and 16-20 overall. USF will be at home for their next doubleheader to compete against Spring Arbor University. USF will play SAU Saturday (April 21st) with 1pm & 3pm start times. The Spring Arbor University Cougars are currently 26-12 overall and 17-11 in the Crossroads League and on a three game losing streak. 

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app. 

-Haylea Sorrell-