The Aurora University Spartan softball hit the field at Bedrosian Stadium for game seven of the NACC Tournament. The Spartans faced off against the Marian University Sabres in the day's first elimination game. AU fought back from a 5-0 deficit in the bottom of the sixth with a three-run homer, narrowing the score to 5-3. Despite their effort, the Spartans fell short, bringing their season to a close.


Game Score: Marian University 5, Aurora University 3
Record: Aurora University 31-11 overall
Location: Bedrosian Stadium - Montgomery, Illinois


- Marian grabbed an early 1-0 lead after two hits in the first inning.
- Despite Aubrey Ortiz's lead off single in the bottom half of the opening frame, the Spartans faced difficulty stringing together consecutive hits.
- The Sabres scored one run in the second inning off a single, but Alex Thiel's quick play in left field prevented them from adding another run by throwing a runner out at home plate.
- AU's bats went silent.
- During the fifth inning, the Sabres capitalized with three runs on three hits, extending their lead to 5-0.
- Casey Brennan singled to right field in the bottom half of the inning, but the Spartans couldn't spark a rally.
- After a seamless 1-2-3 inning on defense, the Spartans rode their momentum into their offensive play.
- With one out, Aubrey Ortiz and Tyler Chambers connected for back-to-back singles. Then, Faith Biggs stepped up to the plate and smashed a three run homer to right field, narrowing the Spartans deficit to just two runs.
- In the top of the seventh, Marian started the inning with consecutive singles.
- With no outs and runners on first and second, the Spartans managed to get out of the jam with a fly out and double play.
- In a final effort, pinch hitter Nina Richards started the rally with a single to center field. Alex Thiel then added another single to center field, putting Spartans on first and third with two outs.
- AU couldn't capitalize on the opportunity to score and ultimately fell short, losing 5-3.


HITTING
HITS:  Kionna King (2)
HOME RUN: Faith Biggs (1)
RUNS: Aubrey Ortiz (2)
RUNS BATTED IN: Aubrey Ortiz, Faith Biggs, and Tyler Chambers (1)

PITCHING:
APPEARANCES (innings): Rylee Campbell (2.0) Madelyn Buske (5.0)
DECISIONS: Rylee Campbell (loss, 17-5)
STRIKEOUTS: Madelyn Buske (3)