FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Alverno softball team got back on the road on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Smith Field on the campus of Marian University for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference doubleheader against the Sabres. Marian came out on top in game one by a 10-2 score, before taking the second game by a 9-1 margin.
 
It was the Izzy's to lead the way for the Inferno as freshman Izzy Luevano led the team with three hits on the afternoon, including the first double of her career as she also scored her seventh run of the season, second on the team to sophomore Izzy Torres with nine. Torres scored her ninth run of the season and also had a multi-hit afternoon with a single and her team-leading third double of the year while also driving in two runs on the day.
 
Junior Natalie Akin had one RBI on the day as she connected on her first double of the season, while senior Lauren Greif rounded out the Inferno offense with her 13th hit of the year. Torres and freshman Lily Kostka each had a walk, with Kostka also scoring a run on the day.
 
In the circle, it was Akin to get the start in the opener for Alverno as she allowed six earned over 1 1/3 innings while striking out one. Senior Kaitlynn Schmick came on and got five outs as she struck out a pair and allowed just one hit. Greif closed the game as she pitched the fourth inning and allowed two runs on four hits, but did include one strikeout.
 
In the second game, Schmick got the start and struck out one batter over her inning of work, while allowing three runs. Greif tossed the final three innings and allowed six runs on nine hits and a pair of walks.
 
Game 1
In the top of the first inning, sophomore Zimri Lemonds reached on an error with one down, but was stranded on first to open the game. Marian responded with a five-run bottom of the inning to take the five-run lead after one.
 
Alverno went down in order in the top of the second before Marian added three more runs in the bottom of the frame to taken an 8-0 lead.
 
Greif collected her single with an opposite field poke with two down and was stranded on first. Marian went scoreless in the third, before Alverno got a pair of runners on in the top of the fourth as Torres walked and Akin reached on an error to start off the inning but the next three Inferno struck out to end the rally.
 
The Sabres tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fourth to open up a 10-0 advantage.
 
In the top of the fifth, Kostka pinch hit and walked before Luevano reached on a bunt single. Two batters later a passed ball moved the pair into scoring position. With two out in the inning, Torres singled to centerfield to drive the pair of freshmen home to score a pair of runs for the Inferno but the next batter flew out to end the game as Marian won, 10-2.
 
Game 2
In the second game Alverno went down in order in the top of the first before the first two batters reached for the Sabres in the bottom of the inning. Two batters later, a three-run home run for Marian gave the home team a 3-0 advantage.
 
After a scoreless second inning, Luevano reached on a two-out double in the top of the third and was stranded in scoring position. Marian added to its lead with a single run in the bottom of the third to take a four-run lead.
 
With one out in the top of the fourth, Torres reached on a double to left field, and then changed places with Akin, who connected on a double of her own to plate the first Inferno run of the game and trim the deficit to 4-1.
 
However, Marian answered right back in the bottom of the fourth with five runs on as many hits to open up an eight-run lead at 9-1.
 
Luevano picked up another two-out hit with a single up the middle, but was stranded on base as the final out was recorded by the Sabres to pick up the sweep.
 
Up Next
Alverno (1-21, 0-14 NACC North) will return hosting duties for the Sabres and will host Marian beginning at 12 p.m. tomorrow afternoon for a conference doubleheader on the Alverno Softball Field. Following the conclusion of the doubleheader, the Inferno will celebrate 'Senior Day' to recognize Greif and Schmick, who are playing in their final seasons with the Inferno.
 
Two spectators per student-athlete of both teams are permitted at the Alverno Softball Field, however fans are encouraged to bring their own seating as the bleachers will be closed. The restrooms near the softball field will be for game personnel only, as spectators will be asked to use the Christopher Lobby restrooms a short walk from the field. For those unable to make it to the field on Sunday, a live web stream and live stats of the game will be available at Athletics.Alverno.edu.