WINONA LAKE, Ind.— The Lancer softball team picked up two key wins Friday afternoon against St. Francis at the Miller Athletic Complex.

The first game went back and forth as the Cougars (11-18, 5-12 Crossroads League) refused to go away. However, Grace (17-17, 8-8 CL) was not interested in giving up their lead.

St. Francis took an early lead in the first game by capitalizing on a Grace error and a walk. Kelsey Richard earned an RBI on a sacrifice fly to put the Cougars in front 1-0.

Hannah Herbster led off the first inning with a double down the left field line and was able to advance to third on an errant throw. She scored on a groundout by Sam Heim to tie the game 1-1.

Grace took a lead of their own in the second inning off a double by Kati Gregory to go up 2-1. St. Francis answered with a run of their own in the top of the third by using keen base running to their advantage, tying the contest at 2-2.

The Lancers regained the lead 3-2 in the bottom of the third as Herbster scored on a safety squeeze by Clarissa Knight. Grace plated another run in the fifth to increase their lead to 4-2.

Elaina McClellan started game one for the Lancers and provided three solid innings in the circle. Chandler Elliot came in relief and shutout the Cougar offense for four innings.

Herbster led the offense with two hits and Heim finished game one with two RBIs.

The second game was a pitcher's duel between two teams that both made stellar plays in the field.

The Cougar offense was threatening in the top of the second inning as they had two runners in scoring position with one out, but Hannah England was able to get out of the jam by forcing a strikeout and a pop out to shortstop.

Saint Francis scored the first run of the game in the top of the third inning on a single from Ashleigh Morrow. However, England was able to limit the damage, getting out of the inning with the bases loaded.

Elliot drove in their first run of game for Grace with a clutch two-out single to centerfield. The offense was stopped in its tracks as they stranded two runners leaving the game tied 1-1.

Grace took their first lead of the game in the fourth inning as they were able to manufacture a run after a leadoff double by Kyleigh Garner. Garner advanced around the bases on two groundballs to give the Lancers a 2-1 advantage.

Once the Lancers, gained the lead there was no looking back. The Cougars left two runners on base as Allison Franklin slammed the door shut.

Franklin earned the save and prevented Saint Francis from making their comeback. England earned the win for her five innings of work.

Although they were outhit 13 to seven, Grace was able to take advantage of their opportunities and make key defensive plays to protect their lead.

Heim, Elliot, and Garner carried the Lancer offense earning two hits apiece. Elliot and Morgan Hutcheson drove in both of Grace's runs in the second game.

The Lady Lancers will look for another sweep in tomorrow against rival Bethel. First pitch will be at 1 o'clock at the Miller Athletic Complex.