The Crusaders continued their season-opening run at the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla. Wednesday, falling 4-3 in eight innings to Sacred Heart and dropping a 7-2 decision to Saint Bonaventure.

In the day's first game against Sacred Heart, the Crusaders got on the board in the top of the first inning after the red-hot Megan Carroll (Eaton Rapids, Mich./Eaton Rapids) doubled to lead off the game and stole third. Three batters later, Shannon Robinson (Toronto, Ontario/John Redmond) delivered the clutch two-out hit to put Valpo up.

The Pioneers did their damage in the bottom of the second off starter Chris Halstead (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral). With runners on second and third and one out, Betsy Harvey singled in one run, and two batters later Jaqui Riley singled home two more.

The Brown and Gold would respond in the top of the fifth, when Carroll singled home Allison Whitesell (Fort Wayne, Ind./Northrop) from second. Valpo then tied the score in the sixth when Taylor Callahan (Pendergrass, Ga./Greater Atlanta Christian) singled to lead off the inning and scored on a Robinson double.

With the two teams tied after the regulation seven innings, Sacred Heart's Ashley McDonough came through with a two-out single in the bottom of the eighth to win it for the Pioneers.

Andrea Zappia (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) picked up the loss despite pitching a terrific six innings. The sophomore allowed only two hits and one walk, striking out six. Through eight appearances this year, Zappia is 0-3 but boasts a 1.02 ERA and has 24 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. Megan Spehar went the distance to earn the win.

In the second game, Saint Bonaventure sent nine to the plate in the second inning and scored five times to put the Crusaders out of reach. The score was tied at two after one inning thanks to a two-run Courtney LaFerle (Elgin, Ill./Larkin) single, but that would be all the offense Valpo would get.

Carroll went 2-for-3 in the game, and is now batting a sizzling .536 through the first eight games of the season. The junior has five doubles, a triple, 3 RBI, four stolen bases and a slugging percentage of .786.

Stephanie Kelly (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield) suffered the first loss of her career, moving to 3-1, while Christine Keleher earned the win for the Bonnies.

The Crusaders (3-5) resume play at the Rebel Spring Games Thursday in Orlando, Fla., taking on La Salle at 1:20 p.m. before meeting Robert Morris (Pa.) at 5:00 p.m.

Valpo-Sacred Heart box score
Valpo-Saint Bonaventure