Coach Liz Garthright's softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with the University of Dubuque Wednesday's at UD's Chlapaty Field. The Spartans took game one 3-1, while the Crusaders were credited with a 5-4 five-inning win in the nightcap.

In game two, Clarke overcame a 4-1 deficit with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. All four Clarke runs crossed the plate on a Colleen Dansart  grand slam. Dubuque took a 7-5 lead in the top of the six, but the inning was not completed due to darkness, so the game reverted to the last completed inning.

In the opener, Dubuque scored one run in the top of the first and added two more in the sixth. Clarke's only score came on a Liz Behnke RBI single in the fifth.

Clarke loser Nicky Newhoff struck out nine and walked one.

Clarke is now 5-7.

-CRUSADERS-