MOUNT VERNON, Ind. - Grace College's softball team came up just short in Tuesday's doubleheader against Mount Vernon.

The Lancers (7-32-1, 3-30-1 Crossroads League) dropped the opener 14-2 and despite a late two-run home run from Bree Gradinier in game two Grace came up a run short, falling 3-2.

Grace struck first in the first game in the second inning. Bella Duran got on base and advanced to second with two outs and Daylie Rickard had an RBI single to push the Lancers ahead 1-0.

The lead was short lived however as MVNU (23-16, 16-14 CL) exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the inning to take a commanding lead in the game.

Tia O'Connor got a run back for the Lancers in the third inning with a single to center that scored Montana Brincks but Grace was unable to overcome the deficit, as they ultimately fell 14-2.

Game two proved to be a defensive showcase with both sides combining for just three hits through the first three innings of play.

The Cougars finally broke the deadlock in the bottom  of the fourth and both teams went down quietly in the fifth frame.

Grace's first two batters were retired to start the second inning, but a single from Rickard set the plate for Gardinier. The senior blasted her sixth home run of the season to push the Lancers into a 2-1 lead. The home run puts her in fifth place for single season home runs at Grace. She is already in second place for career home runs.

MVNU used a two-out rally in the bottom of the inning to recapture the lead and escaped the final inning unscathed as they claimed the 3-2 victory.

Izzy Waddle got the start in the circle for the Lancers in game two and pitched six innings while allowing nine hits and just three runs.Gardinier had two hits.

Grace will finish out their season on Saturday as they play Bethel at 1pm. The Lancers will be looking to complete the season sweep over the Pilots.