COLUMBUS, Ga. - [Watch On-Demand] Madonna (Mich.) captured the first NAIA Softball National Championship in program history with an 8-4 victory over Southeastern (Fla.) on Thursday at South Commons, caping off a wild week of weather and schedule adjustments.

Southeastern (51-10) struck first with two runs in the top of the third inning. Abby Franey reached and later scored, while Raylei McKinney and Erica Ramsey each drove in a run to give Southeastern a 2-0 lead. Madonna (52-4) answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning with four runs on five hits. Ashley Rosiewicz and Faith Cramton each collected hits during the frame, while Rylee Fitzpatrick drove in two runs as Madonna moved in front 4-2.

Southeastern tied the game in the fourth inning with two more runs. Franey scored again after reaching base, and Nicole Wasserstrom added an RBI as the teams entered the bottom of the fourth tied at 4-4. Madonna regained control in its half of the inning, scoring three times to reclaim the lead. Brynn Anteau and Faith Cramton both reached base during the rally, and Olivia Salinas came around to score as Madonna built a 7-4 advantage.

Madonna added an insurance run in the sixth inning to extend the margin to 8-4. The offense finished with 11 hits, led by Rosiewicz and Cramton with two apiece. Fitzpatrick drove in two runs, while Anteau scored twice and reached base four times with two walks.

Southeastern totaled eight hits in the loss. McKinney and Wasserstrom each recorded two-hit performances, while Ramsey, McKinney, and Wasserstrom each drove in a run. Franey scored twice and reached base in all three plate appearances with a hit, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch.

In the circle, Maria Zelenka started for Southeastern and worked 2 2/3 innings with seven hits allowed and four runs, two earned, while striking out two. Edan Playa pitched the final 3 1/3 innings and allowed four runs, one earned, with two strikeouts.

Madonna used three pitchers in the victory. Anna Battagin got the win and allowed two runs over four innings. Camille Oyer started with two innings, followed by Sara Austin in the middle tossing one inning as Madonna claimed the program’s first national title.

STUDENT-ATHLETE	INSTITUTION
Carleen Murray
Kamryn Ham
Lillie Lanham
Sara Ruble
Avery Toole
Jessica Dunkel
Camille Oyer
Lilly Rocha
Annika Litterio
Maria Zelenka
Hallie Campbell
Daryelin Rivas
Rylee Fitzpatrick
Ashley Rosiewicz Tournament MVP
Raylei McKinney
Kalea Thomas