FORT WAYNE, Ind. - On Wednesday afternoon, the University of Saint Francis Cougars (25-25; 17-19 Crossroads) traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to compete in the Crossroads League Tournament and opened against the Taylor University Trojans (23-25) but fell 4-1 before falling to Spring Arbor (19-30) 5-4 as their season comes to a close.

In the opening game against Taylor, junior pitcher Mackenzie Rust started on the mound after compiling a 13-9 record on the season. However, she ran into immediate trouble in the bottom of the first when a leadoff single and two-run home run put Saint Francis behind 2-0.

Another leadoff double followed by an RBI-single in the second drove Rust from the game after working just one-plus innings allowing three earned runs on four hits. Freshman Mia Werner came in to relieve and was able to hold the Trojans from there.

Meanwhile, the Cougars went to work with the bats in the top of the third when a couple walks created the first run of the game for Saint Francis, now trailing just 3-1, only to have the Trojans get that run right back in the bottom of the frame.

Despite several scoring opportunities in the final four innings, the Cougars were not able to cash in as they suffered the loss 4-1.

In the finale against Spring Arbor, sophomore Erika Turpin started for the Cougars and worked her way out of first-inning trouble despite allowing an unearned run as the Cougars found themselves needing to comeback again.

Matters didn't get any better in the second when three hits and an error resulted in a couple more runs for Spring Arbor, but a few stolen bases along with a couple hits plated the first run for Saint Francis in the third.

Then in the fourth, shortstop Brooklyn McCord got them one step closer with an RBI-single scoring catcher Tori Miller to make it 3-2. Then in the top of the fifth, the Cougars made the comeback complete as designated hitter Regan Peppler smashed a two-out two-run home run.

However, Turpin went back out for the fifth and couldn't hold the lead as a leadoff double, wild pitch, and RBI-single tied the game back up. After the Cougars went quietly in the top of the seventh, Mackenzie Rust, who came in to relieve Turpin in the fifth, went back out hoping to send the game to extra innings. But with one out, a single followed by a game-winning double send the Cougars packing.

Cougar fans, stay updated on all events and recaps with USF athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.