INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Grace College's softball team dropped a pair of road contests against No. 23 Marian on Wednesday afternoon.

The double-header marked the beginning of Crossroads League play for the Lancers (1-6, 0-2 Crossroads League).

Grace will quickly become accustomed to their conference foes, as they play Spring Arbor on Thursday and No. 2 Indiana Wesleyan on Friday afternoon. The Lancers were forced into playing three double-headers in three days, due to the forecasted weather in the area.

In game one, Grace drew first blood after Cassie Hayes put a ball in play that was misplayed by the Marian defense. Bela Duran took advantage of the Knights miscue and crossed home plate to give the Lancers a 1-0 run in the top half of the first inning.

Jeri Ellis got the start in the circle for Grace and got through the first inning unscathed, including striking out the Knights' leadoff hitter.

Marian would strike back in the home portion of the second inning, scoring a pair of runs on a two out double. The Knights added another run in the third inning.

Grace's offense went quiet in the middle innings before trying to rally in the sixth inning. The Lancers had a pair baserunners but could cross another run, falling by a final score of 7-1.

In game two, Marian would strike first with a two-run homerun in the second inning. Marian scored a trio of runs on five hits in the third inning to add to their lead.

Bree Gardinier got grace on the board with a solo homerun. The freshman hit a shot over right center field to pull Grace within four-runs in the fourth inning.

The Lancers were unable to contain the Knights offensive firepower, as Marian would score runs in three of the next four innings to pull off the 9-1 victory.

For the afternoon, Abbie Rymers had a pair of hits and Ellis struck out four batters.