Softball Falls to Saint Xavier University  (4/18/06)
There was an abundance of home runs in the doubleheader between the Trolls and the Cougars of Saint Xavier University (IL). Between the two teams in the two games, there were a total of nine hits that went over the fence. The Trolls ended up losing 15-3 in the first game against this #17 nationally ranked team. They fought hard in the second game, but lost in the final inning, 6-5. The team is now 15-25 for the season and 7-7 in the conference. 

A home run by Saint Xavier in the first inning of game one gave them a 2-0 lead. The Cougars then scored six runs in the second inning, another six in the third inning, and one more in the fourth inning to create a 15-0 gap. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning the Trolls prevented the shut out. Allison Vanderwerff singled up the middle and was followed by a shot to left field by Stacey Wagner. Laura Arendsen then launched the ball over the fence to score the three runs. The game ended after five innings on the mercy rule. 

In the second game the teams exchanged solo homers; Saint Xavier with one in the first inning and Gail Landini with one in the second. Then in the fifth inning Saint Xavier picked up two more runs. The Trolls made use of their at bat in the bottom of the inning. Arendsen started things with a single, followed by a double by Sarah Lerner. Bases became loaded when Michelle Cooke walked. Landini then crunched a pitch over the center field fence for the grand slam and the 5-3 lead. That lead did not last long as Saint Xavier hit two solo homers in the sixth to tie the game. In the final inning Saint Xavier once again caught a pitch they liked to send yet another ball over the fence for the 6-5 lead. The Trolls could not answer in their final at bat for the one run loss. 

Overall the team had 18 hits for the day. Gail Landini records two homeruns for five RBIs. Laura Arendsen had three hits for three RBIs. Stacey Wagner and Sarah Lerner also had three hits apiece. 

The Trolls will participate in the NCCAA Regional tournament on Friday and Saturday. The tournament is held at Olivet Nazarene University and the schedule is yet to be determined. 
 

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