The softball team opened its fall season over the weekend finishing with a 2-3 record at the NIC Invitational held in Moline, Ill.

In the opener against Drake, the Crusaders fell 7-1 with Tricia Speziale driving in the lone run with a double.

Wisconsin's Andrea Kirchberg then threw a perfect game against the Brown and Gold in an 11-0 win.

The Crusaders first win came against Lewis as Speziale's two-run homer plated Tana Barnes in a 2-1 triumph.

Valpo picked up its second victory against Illinois Central, scoring four runs in the seventh capped off by Ali Bultman's RBI to win 4-3.

Valpo ultimately fell in pool play to Western Illinois 7-3, despite jumping out to an early lead in Barnes' two-run homer.

The Crusaders will travel to Indianapolis this weekend for their final tournament of the fall.