WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saint Francis softball came up short on day two of the Birds Up Bash tournament, falling to North Dakota and UTSA by scores of 12-3 and 9-6. Junior Marianne Labelle led the way in game one with two hits and an RBI, while sophomore Sofia Zielinski powered the offense in game two with three hits and two RBIs on Saturday evening at Roadrunner Field in San Antonio, Texas.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The pivotal play in game one occurred at the top of the first inning, where the Hawks scored five runs straight out of the gate, putting the Red Flash behind for the remainder of the game.

In game two, which featured five different lead changes throughout the seven innings, the turning point came in the bottom of the fourth inning. During the Roadrunners' turn at the plate, a single down the right field line broke the 4-4 tie and gave UTSA a 5-4 lead. Despite another comeback attempt from the Red Flash, the Roadrunners were able to keep Saint Francis at bay.

FLASH MOMENTS

Saint Francis first got on the board during the bottom of the third inning, scoring twice. A wild pitch allowed Garroway to score, while Rookie of the Week Olivia Hood singled down the right side of the infield to score sophomore Morgan Pasternak, cutting the Hawks' lead to 8-2. In the following inning, Labelle drove in her second RBI of the season after reaching on a fielder's choice, scoring senior Haley Brag to make the score 8-3.

The bats showed resilience in game two, with the Red Flash jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning after Labelle crossed home plate due to a wild pitch. Saint Francis continued to fight throughout the game. In the top of the third inning, Zielinski launched her 12th career home run, while Hood drew a walk with the bases loaded, scoring freshman Zoe Kesterson to give Saint Francis a 4-2 lead.

Pasternak tied the game at five runs in the top of the fourth inning with a shot over the right field wall, showcasing her power. Despite trailing at the top of the seventh inning, Saint Francis managed to plate an additional run, thanks to Hood doubling down the line, resulting in the final score of 9-6.

ON DECK  
The Red Flash softball team is back in action tomorrow, March 1, for the final day of the Birds Up Bash against the Roadrunners of UTSA at Roadrunner Field in San Antonio, Texas, with a slated first pitch of 12:30 p.m.