Lecompte, La. - The Spartans kicked off their season this weekend (Feb 2-3) at the Louisiana Christian Invitational. Unfortunately, the weekend left a lot to be desired, with MBU dropping their first two games on day one, and the following day's games were rained out.
 
Game One vs. Our Lady of the Lake University
MBU's first opponent of the season was a tough one, with the Spartans taking on No. 7 OLLU. The Spartans were able to get in a couple of hits the first inning, coming from Meghan Hager and Brooklynn Fischer. Unfortunately they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities and finished their at bat scoreless. Defense was backing up Alexandria Cafolla on the mound, making plays for three outs in a row.
 
The second inning saw the downfall of MBU with OLLU putting two points on the board. Despite MBU's effort in keeping their ranked opponent at bay for the rest of the game, they fell to the Saints 2-0. The teams were evenly matched with five hits apiece, but MBU was unable to take advantage, leaving their base runners stranded. Fischer was back with another hit in the top of the fourth with a double to left field. Natalie Archer also recorded two hits, knocking down a couple of singles.
 
Game Two vs. Louisiana State University at Alexandria
While the Spartans managed to bring in some runs during their second game of the day, they struggled to stop LSUA's from scoring. The warriors brought in a run in the bottom of the first and would maintain that lead till the top of the fourth. Fisher started the inning off with a single to left field. Sheldon Underwood went in to pinch run for Fischer and used her speed to steal second. The junior was on a role as she was able to steal third during the next at bat. With Underwood in prime scoring position, Allison Leigraf stepped up and hit a single to centerfield. With Underwood making it home, MBU tied up the game. However, the tie was short-lived as LSUA immediately added two more runs during their at-bat in the bottom of the inning.
 
LSUA seized that momentum, scoring four more runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Spartans attempted a comeback in the top of the sixth. Kolby Brake made it on base with a walk and Jenna Achs followed up with a single to left field. Leigraf who had earned the RBI from the Spartans earlier run, tallied up a couple more with a triple out to right field. With Brake and Achs making it home, MBU had narrowed the gap. Abby earned an RBI of her own, hitting a single out to center field to bring in Leigraf.
 
The Spartans were able to shorten the game to a three-point gap but weren't able to close it in the seventh. MBU wrapped up the day, dropping their first two games of the LCU Invite. While the Spartans were able to get things started against Central Methodist University the next morning, the weather soon put an end to the game and the rest of their time in Louisiana. The Spartans will be back in action on Feb 8 for the NAIA Winter Invitational in Mesquite, Texas.