ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The Augsburg University softball team fell to Saint Mary's University in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader on Friday, 12-0 in five innings in both games. The Auggies managed only one hit in each game to the Cardinals, ranked No. 4 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III national poll.

THE BASICS
SCORES: Saint Mary's 12, Augsburg 0 (5 inn.); Saint Mary's 12, Augsburg 0 (5 inn.)
LOCATION: RCTC Dome, Rochester, Minn.
RECORD: Augsburg 6-14 overall (1-3 MIAC), Saint Mary's 16-2 overall (2-0 MIAC)

GAME 1 RECAP
Saint Mary's seized control early with a pivotal first inning, highlighted by an inside-the-park homer by Megan McGinnis, driving in four runs to establish a commanding lead. Augsburg struggled to shift the momentum after this decisive sequence, which set the tone for the rest of the contest.

The Cardinals extended their lead with a seven-run fourth inning, fueled by key hits including a three-RBI double by Zoe Fink and aggressive base running that created additional scoring opportunities. Despite efforts to respond, the Auggies could not break through the defensive setup of Saint Mary's.

GAME 2 RECAP
In the second game, Saint Mary's continued their dominance with an eight-run outburst in the opening frame. Alexandra Gerber's bunt single and subsequent stolen base set the stage, as the home team capitalized on Augsburg's defensive miscues and timely hits. RBI singles from Makayla Steffes and Peyton Berg, along with run-scoring doubles from Megan McGinnis and Kenzie Gatz, extended the lead significantly.

Augsburg's best opportunity to generate offense came in the fourth inning when Jayden Evenson provided a leadoff single, but subsequent batters were unable to advance the runner.

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, Augsburg University will host Macalester College in a MIAC doubleheader on Tuesday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis.