Crimson Wave Rally Twice to Earn Doubleheader Sweep Over Judson

Whiting, IN – The Calumet College of St. Joseph softball team picked up its first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference wins of the season with a doubleheader sweep over Judson Wednesday evening at Whiting Sports Complex.

CCSJ trailed in both games by at least two runs but managed to come back and earn its first doubleheader sweep against any CCAC opponent since 2023. Head coach Dave Lopez said his team responded to the challenges well and it's something they've been preparing themselves for.

"We played with grit and didn't let falling behind get to us mentally," Lopez said. "We've been talking all week about not letting the little things bother us and moving on from mistakes. … Today we battled through those and competed from start to finish."

Game 1: CCSJ 6, Judson 5

In Game 1, the Crimson Wave came out with plenty of energy as they were amped up for their first set of home games this season. In the first inning, Tiffanie Brieno doubled to center field to bring Kelsey Lovelace home and score the first run of the game. The next batter, Adelina Staden, singled to center field and brought Brieno to take an early 2-0 lead. 

Judson would respond and score at the top of the second inning, but CCSJ would regain its two-run lead after Aubrie Morales managed to score at the bottom of the fifth inning. 

It wasn't until the seventh inning where the ebbs and flows of this matchup began as Judson made a comeback. With two outs and a chance to close out the game, an error by the infield helped the Eagles score and cut the lead to one. Moments later, a 3-run homerun by Judson had the Crimson Wave's hopes of winning this game looking slim.

Now at the bottom of the seventh, CCSJ had its opportunity to tie or win in walk-off style. It was Ashley Meade starting it off for the Wave with a base hit up the middle. Even though she was out making her to second, Aubrie Morales was able to get on base with a Judson error in the outfield. Morales later advanced to second and stole third, putting her in scoring position. 

Brieno was walked at the plate, putting two batters on base with Staden up next. Staden hit a timely double to center field, bringing both runners home and tying the game at five. With the crowd ignited and the momentum leaning their way, CCSJ seized the moment. Kylee Slack was able to close out game one with a walk-off single to right field that brought Staden home.

Ayla Matheny (4-4) pitched all seven innings for the Wave, allowing three earned runs on seven hits, while striking out four batters.

Game 2: CCSJ 7, Judson 5

In Game two, the bats were hot as each team recorded nine hits. Tied at one after the first inning, Judson was able to take the lead in the third inning scoring three runs on two hits. Staden's momentum from game one carried over to game two as responded for CCSJ at the bottom of the third with a solo home run.

Trailing by three in the bottom of the fourth, Brieno smashed a three-run home run over the wall to tie the game at five. Two innings later, Staden homered again, this time a two-run shot that ultimately sealed the game.

Crimson Wave Leaders

In two games, senior Adelina Staden went 5-for-6 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Senior Tiffanie Brieno went 2-for-4 with one home run and four RBIs. Senior Kylee Slack had four hits and two RBIs while sophomore Ashley Meade contributed with three hits.

Not only was Lopez proud of the fact that the team got two conference wins to start off conference play, but it was the leadership and trust the team showed in one another that stood out the most.

"It was nice to see the seniors lead and the young players follow their lead and compete," Lopez said. "It was also nice to get two conference wins right out the gate, but I really want to give our pitchers props for battling hard, not giving up and letting their defense do what they need to do." 

Sophomore Victoria Jenson and freshman Ally Sims split the six innings at the mound in game two. Combined, they pitched three strikeouts, while surrendering nine hits and three earned runs. 

Up Next

CCSJ returns to action Friday, March 28 for a doubleheader against Taylor in Upland, Indiana beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT.