SOUTH LYON, Mich. - Grace's softball team came up empty on Friday, falling in a tripleheader in Michigan.

The Lady Lancers played three games in rapid succession, gaining valuable experience during an usual start to the year. Grace played indoor on a turf field in South Lyon, Mich.

The first game of the day started early with the first pitch set for 7 a.m. against Concordia. Grace struggled to get on the scoreboard early, going scoreless for the first three innings.

The Cardinals erupted with four runs in the third and another in the fourth, and Grace was unable to rally in the 5-3 defeat.

Jeri Ellis tossed the first 4.1 innings from the mound, and Alyssa Swangin pitched a scoreless 1.2 innings of relief.

Laikyn Lowe batted 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs, and Elena Rolley was 1 for 3 with a run driven in. Lowe's home run was the first of her collegiate career. Jessica Kaurich and Ashley Beckler each doubled.

Almost immediately after the Concordia game, Grace played its second game of the morning against Madonna. The Crusaders, who are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25, narrowly won in a pitchers' duel 1-0.

Dori Knight was electric for the Lady Lancers. The senior threw a complete game, giving up one run on seven hits. Knight recorded eight shutouts in a memorable performance.

But the Lady Lancers could not generate support behind Knight to record the upset win. 

Grace had eight hits in the game, one more than the Crusaders, but the Lady Lancers could not string together their hits to score a run.

The Lady Lancers had runners in scoring position in the first, second, fourth, fifth and seventh innings, but each time Grace came up empty.

Carly Ruiz finished 2 for 3, and Ellis and Kaurich each doubled.

Grace's bats remained cold in the final outing of the day, a 7-0 defeat to Aquinas. Grace was only outhit 7-5, but the Saints scored seven quick runs to win.

Madison Bremer was the pitcher for Grace, striking out four in four innings. Britney Young, Emily Revercomb and Bethany Gardner were each 1 for 2.

The Lady Lancers will rest this weekend before embarking on the home opener on Tuesday. Grace will host Concordia at 1 p.m. at Coach Phil Dick Field, marking Grace's first home game since April 27, 2019.