April 9, 2017- After a stellar all around effort yesterday, the Concordia-Chicago Cougar Softball team looked to cap off their weekend with a bag when they headed to Marian University for another NACC double header today. Unfortunately for CUC they never got the spark they needed in the double header, falling in game one 9-1. They then fell in game two 4-3 as Marian was able to plate three late runs.
 
In game one, CUC gained the lead with a run in the second inning. A single up the middle by Allison Kruk started off the inning. A walk and a strikeout followed to put runners on first and second. Katie Sullivan loaded the bases in the next at bat with a sharp single to left field. Still with one out Taylor Kulaszewicz delivered what would be the only Cougar run of the game with a single that landed directly on the right field line scoring Kruk. Unfortunately for CUC the next two batters were retired, leaving the bases loaded.
 
Marian answered the Cougar run with one of their own on an Olivia Hartley single down the right field line. The Sabres continued to gain momentum from there, scoring three runs before CUC could record an out to push the lead to 4-1 Sabres. Marian continued to pour it on from there, scoring one in the fifth and two in the sixth leading to the 9-1 game one final.
 
In game two, CUC looked to swing momentum back in their corner with two runs in the first. Singles by Melissa Balkema and Michele Alexander put runners on the corners with one out. Marita Van Dyke brought home Balkema driving a ball straight back up the middle making it 1-0. Megan Strong loaded the bases with a single to left, and the second run came home when Kristen Landon drew a walk.
 
The Sabres picked up an unearned run off of Cougar starter Courtney Pepper, who turned in another quality start for CUC. The Cougars pushed their lead back to two in the top of the fourth. Strong led off with a double to right center. A bunt single by Landon then put runners on the corners. Then it was Pepper helping herself out with a perfectly placed squeeze bunt on the first base side. Unfortunately for CUC, Marian stole the game back with three runs in the bottom of the fifth, all with two out, securing the 4-3 win, and the sweep of CUC.
 
The Cougars (12-11, 3-5 NACC) will return home from the road trip and get ready for a five-game home stand beginning on Tuesday. The game Tuesday will be a resumption of the second game against North Central with first pitch set for 4:00 p.m.