SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) – The Lourdes University softball team hosted Defiance College on Sunday afternoon in a doubleheader at home, splitting the two contests. After dropping a 4-1 decision in the first game, the Gray Wolves bounced back in Game 2 with a 2-1 victory to improve to 5-7 on the season.

Game 1: Defiance College 4, Lourdes 1
The first game saw Defiance capitalize on a strong third inning, scoring three runs to take control. Lourdes got on the board in the second inning, when Maddie Darrah doubled to left, driving in Lindsey McGann for the Gray Wolves' only run. However, the visiting Yellow Jackets responded with a two-run double in the third and added another run in the fourth to secure a 4-1 victory.

Lourdes struggled to generate offense against Defiance starter M. Vickers, who earned the win after allowing one run on four hits over four innings. The Gray Wolves' Kirsten Smith (2-2) took the loss, giving up three earned runs in 3.2 innings of work. Berlynn Keller relieved Smith and tossed 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out one.

Game 2: Lourdes 2, Defiance College 1
Lourdes responded in Game 2 with a hard-fought 2-1 win. Defiance jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, with a grounded out hit to bring home a run. The Gray Wolves answered back in the third inning, as Jessyca Smith singled to left, bringing in Liv Hussar, who scored on an error by the Defiance left fielder.

Lourdes then took the lead in the fourth inning when Skylar Mitchell singled up the middle, driving in Lauren Schuller for the go-ahead run. Defiance's offense was limited to just two hits, and despite a strong performance from pitcher A. Craft, Lourdes held on for the victory.

Mallori Bradley (1-1) was dominant in the circle for the Gray Wolves, tossing a complete game and allowing just two hits while striking out nine. Craft (0-1) took the loss for Defiance, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out six over six innings.