Springfield, Mo. – Evangel started the 2016 softball season Saturday and were swept at home by NCAA-II opponent Christian Brothers (Tenn.) falling 4-2 in game one and 5-4 in game two. 

The Crusaders lost game one 4-2 but took a 2-1 lead in the sixth on back-to-back triples by Kasie Zukow and Kiara Carrier. Three hits and an error factored in to a three-run Buccaneers seventh that allowed Christian Brothers to re-take the lead, 4-2. Evangel got two runners aboard in the bottom of the seventh but left both stranded in scoring position to end the game. Jillian Belieu went 2 for 3 in the game for Evangel. 

Evangel lost game two after leading 4-3 through three innings. Christian Brothers tied the game with a run in the fourth and went ahead 5-4 in the sixth on a RBI double by Kylie Steagall. Buccaneers pitcher Jenna Cotter went six innings in relief to win both halves of the doubleheader. Crusaders 3B Caitlin Buckalew went 2 for 3 with two runs, a double and an RBI. 

With the losses, the Crusaders start the season 0-2 while Christian Brothers brought their record to 2-2. 

Evangel is idle until Saturday, Feb. 23 when they host Stephens (Mo.) in a doubleheader at 1:30 p.m. at the EU Softball Complex.

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