FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday afternoon, the University of Saint Francis Cougars (12-8; 4-4 Crossroads) played host to the Goshen College Maple Leafs (14-12; 4-8 Crossroads) in a doubleheader at Westendorf Field, and swept both games winning 2-0 in the opener before taking the finale 8-0.

Junior pitcher Mackenzie Rust took the mound to start for the Cougars, and despite loading the bases in the first inning, escaped the jam and took off from there.

A pitcher's duel ensued from after that, as the Cougars only managed two hits through the first four innings. Meanwhile, Rust dominated on the mound, getting in and out of jams, and making big pitches when she needed to.

Heading into the bottom of the sixth, the game was still scoreless as neither team was able to gain momentum on offense.

But then with one out and two runners on, catcher Tori Miller came to bat. The Cougars slugger then came through with the big hit as he smacked a double down the left-field line scoring both runs and giving Saint Francis a 2-0 lead late.

The Cougars then proceeded to load the bases, but to no avail as Rust went back out for the seventh to finish what she started. With two outs and the tying run at the plate, the junior hurler induced a popup to end the game and give her a second straight complete game victory.

Mackenzie Rust allowed no runs on just four hits in seven innings pitched, while striking out nine batters.

In the finale, sophomore starter Erika Turpin started for the Cougars and started on the right foot, striking out two of the first three batters in a 1-2-3 first inning. Then in the bottom of the frame, her teammates gave her an early 1-0 lead as shortstop Abby Erwin singled home center fielder Grace Renbarger.

Then in the bottom of the second, the cougars put together a rally. It started with a leadoff walk followed by an RBI-double by second baseman Ashley Kent to double the lead. Later in the inning, four hits, four walks, and six runs, capped by a two-run home run by catcher Tori Miller, extended the lead for the Cougars at 7-0.

Back on the mound, Turpin pitched brilliantly, as she shut down the Maple Leafs through six innings and earn the victory as she allowed just four hits in six shutout innings.

Then with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, shortstop Abby Erwin hit a double over the left fielder's head to score the eighth run for the Cougars and secure the win via mercy rule.

The Cougars resume play on Monday afternoon at Westendorf Field with a doubleheader against the Taylor University Trojans (12-11; 9-3 Crossroads) beginning at 4:00 pm.