USF was just two outs away from a first-day sweep but then gave up three unearned runs after one out was recorded in the top of the seventh inning to let a victory get away in the evening as University of Saint Francis (Ind.) came from behind to post a 4-3 win.

Malacina threw 88 pitches and struck out five batters to get her season-opening win.  Freshman Jordan Halata (Lockport H.S./Homer Glen, IL) and sophomore third baseman Brittany Bochenek (Lockport H.S./Lockport, IL) each had a pair of hits to lead the Saints' 7-hit attack. Halata, junior right fielder Kaylee Shell (Wilmington H.S./Wilmington, IL), senior second baseman Beth Boezeman (Lincoln-Way East H.S./Frankfort, IL) and junior catcher C.J. Rupsis (Bolingbrook H.S./Bolingbrook, IL) all drove in runs for the Saints.

Halata and senior right fielder Caitlin Griffin (Lincoln-Way East H.S.) drove in runs for the Saints in the nightcap but USF managed to get just four hits on the game. Sophomore right-hander Jackie Frey (Plainfield South H.S./Plainfield, IL) worked the first four innings and blanked the Cougars on just 3 hits. Boezeman came on in relief and was the unlucky loser, after being charged with all 4 runs - with only 1 being earned - in the final 3 innings.

The Saints (1-1) play Greensboro (N.C.) College and Marian University (Ind.) on Monday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. CST.