La Crosse, WI – Early offense and dominant pitching led the Madison Night Mares (16-5) to a 3-1 victory over the La Crosse Steam (7-13) 6-0 on Sunday afternoon.

In the top of the first inning, Emma Kavanagh (University of Arizona) smashed a two-run double to give the Night Mares a 2-0 advantage. The Night Mares added to their lead in the second when Addison Blomberg (University of Wisconsin) doubled and later came around to score on an error, extending the lead to 3-0.

The Night Mares’ offense cooled off, but their lead remained intact thanks to a stellar performance from Kendall Weik (Morgan State University), who shut out the Steam through the first six innings.

La Crosse finally scored a run in the seventh. Calli Janik (Mount Mercy University) cut the lead to 3-1 with an RBI groundout. But Weik was able to get Rachel Mori (University of North Carolina at Pembroke) to fly out to end the game, and the Night Mares won 3-1.

Weik earned the win in the circle, lowering her season ERA to 3.50. Tatum Dunlavy (Concordia University-St. Paul) was charged with the loss for the Steam. With the win, the Night Mares extend their first place lead to four and a half games.

The road trip continues for the Night Mares on Monday night, as the team heads to Mankato to face the Habaneros. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Madison will return to Warner Park on Wednesday to face the La Crosse Steam at 6:05 p.m.