The Briar Cliff softball team opened play at the St. Ambrose Dome Tournament with a pair of nail-biting contests on opening day.
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Game 1 vs Cleary – L, 7-4
The Cougars got on the board early in the first inning, using back-to-back hits to plate the game's first run. Cleary kept the momentum going into the third, adding another hit and extending its lead to 3–1.

Briar Cliff responded in the bottom of the third to take control, going ahead 4–3. Sydney Mennenga sparked the rally with a triple that drove in two runs, and Lauryn Mattox followed with a sacrifice fly to bring in another.

Cleary recaptured the lead in the top of the sixth, pushing the score to 7–4 and capturing the game.

MJ Bannon went six innings in the circle for the Chargers, allowing seven runs on 13 hits while striking out seven and walking three.

Mennenga led Briar Cliff with two RBIs and went 1-for-4 on the day. Madi Keon and Leah Montes each added two hits for BCU.

Game 2 vs Clarke – L, 2-1
The game remained tight throughout, with Clarke scoring late in the seventh inning to pull ahead for a 2–1 win.

Briar Cliff set the tone early as Mattox drove in a run in the opening frame to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. The contest stayed closely matched into the final inning before Clarke plated the deciding run.

Despite the loss, Briar Cliff outhit CU 5–4. Sydney Ebel, Aubrey White, Kenadee Loew, Mattox, and Mennenga each recorded a hit for the Chargers.

Mattox also delivered a strong performance in the circle, pitching all seven innings while allowing two runs on four hits. She struck out six and walked four. At the plate, she went 1-for-1 and led the team with one RBI.


The Chargers return to action Sunday February 7, at 8:30 a.m. taking on Cleary and at 1 p.m. taking on St.Ambrose to finish out the tournament.