MELBOURNE, Fla. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) softball team continued play at The Space Coast Spring Games with an exhibition matchup against the Czech Republic and a 6-0 win over Cleary University on Wednesday, March 4. 

The Saint Francis Cougars faced the Cleary Cougars in their second contest of the day at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. After three scoreless innings, Saint Francis broke through in the top of the fourth with an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. The SF Cougars created separation in the sixth, plating four runs to extend the advantage to 5-0. Macie Dowd added an RBI double to left field in the seventh to push the lead to 6-0. Saint Francis kept Cleary off the scoreboard throughout the afternoon to secure its second shutout victory of the season.

Saint Francis totaled six hits and a walk in the win. Abby Robakowski and Sam Baker each went 2-4 at the plate, combining to score three runs. Baker, Dowd, Lena Viggiano, and Bree Miller each recorded an RBI, while Baker and Ari Rector added a stolen base apiece.

In the circle, Ellie Sauder earned the win after allowing just three hits and striking out three over 4.0 innings. Olivia Fuentes also struck out three batters in 2.0 innings of scoreless relief.

Up next, Saint Francis (3-2) returns to The Space Coast Spring Games on Friday to face No. 15 Missouri Baptist and No. 14 Keiser.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.