MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. – The Holy Cross softball team fell to Quinnipiac, 1-0, in nine innings Sunday morning at The Spring Games. Kelly Nelson went the length of the game in the circle, striking out a season-high 11 batters and giving up only two hits without allowing an earned run, but it wasn't enough to claim the victory.

Kari Jacobson had the hottest Crusader bat as she went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and a stolen base. Bailey Bates, Jessie Nagel, and Olivia Eckelman each had a hit as well. Erin Bengston walked twice, while Nagel and Bella Jankowski both did once.

Holy Cross had its chances, but 11 runners left on base doomed the Crusaders as they ended five different innings with runners left in scoring position.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Top Four

• The Bobcats got their first hit of the day with a two-out double to left center.
• After a walk, Nelson got out of the inning with a swinging strikeout.

Top Six

• Again with a runner on second, Nelson got a swing and a miss for the third out.

Bottom Six

• Nagel singled with two outs and moved over to second on Bengston's walk, but the Crusaders grounded out to end the frame.

Top Eight

• With a runner placed on second due to the extra inning tournament rules, the Bobcats grounded out and the runner advanced to third.
• Nelson got the next two batters with a pop out and a strikeout to keep Quinnipiac off the board.

Bottom Eight

• Kaci Neveling was put on second for Holy Cross and she moved over to third on Bailey Chavez's sac bunt.
• With two outs, Nagel and Bengston both walked to load the bases.
• Again, a ground out spoiled the Crusaders' chance.

Top Nine

• The Bobcat's runner on second advanced to third on a wild pitch and ground ball brought her home.

Bottom Nine

• With a runner on second, Jacobson singled and pushed her over to third.
• Jacobson stole second to give the Crusaders runners on second and third with no outs.
• Jankowski was called out at third by batter's interference, and then Quinnipiac got a strikeout and ground out to claim the win.

UP NEXT

Holy Cross is back in action next weekend at the St. John's Invitational. The squad will take on Connecticut and Hartford on Saturday, March 14.