ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Grace's softball team could not keep pace with Ave Maria's offense in a 14-3 defeat on Thursday.

The Lady Lancers (2-7) gave up 21 hits to the Gyrenes (14-3), while also committing three errors.

The game started with neither side able to score in the first inning. But Grace struggled to get out of innings after the first. 

Ave Maria took advantage to score in every inning but the first. The Gyrenes led 9-0 before Grace got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth.

Britney Young drove in Jeri Ellis with a single for Grace's first run. Two batters later, Olivia Scarbrough belted a two-run home run to make the score 9-3.

The Gyrenes effectively ended the contest in the top of the seventh, plating five times.

Ellis batted 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored, Carly Ruiz hit 1 for 2, and Jessica Kaurich doubled.

The Lady Lancers have two games scheduled for Friday, including No. 8 Mobile at 9 a.m. and Blue Mountain at 4:30 p.m.