Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University softball team continues to stay alive in the 2021 CCIW Softball Tournament. The Pioneers advance to the consolation semi-finals, after defeating the third seeded Carthage Firebirds on Thursday afternoon. This is the farthest the Carroll softball team has advanced in the CCIW tournament.
 
The Pioneers are scheduled to rematch with the fifth seeded North Central Cardinals Friday, May 14 at 2:30 PM. The Pioneers finished 2-2 against the Cardinals in the regular season and fell in the opening round of the tournament last week Thursday by a score of 0-6.
 
Last time out against the Cardinals, five Pioneers collected hits, but none of them were able to round the bases for any runs. The Cardinals jumped out quickly after a first inning grand slam set the tone for the game. Amanda Osterhus was pulled from the game after walking the bases loaded, as Breanna Roberts gave up the home run three at-bats later.
 
This season against the Cardinals, Sierra Grubor owns a .529 average with nine hits, two RBI and a run scored. Claudia Spencer has the most RBI in the season series with three, while Mathena Higgins has scored three times as well. In her two appearances, Grace Bradley has a 0.00 ERA and a win through 8.2 innings pitched, only allowing five hits and striking out seven.
 
With a win, the Pioneers will advance to the consolation finals, where they will meet the loser of the Illinois Wesleyan vs Millikin game. The Pioneers are 1-3 against both programs this season.