It wasn't quite a tale of two cities, but the Cabrini doubleheader against Mercy on Friday was definitely a tale of two different teams. In game one, Cabrini jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, with the first three base runners getting on base and all scoring. Junior Michaleigh Vallimont led off with a walk, followed by a single off the bat of Mackenzie Schick, who led the team with two hits. Freshman Lily Vallimont then doubled to drive home both runners. For all intents and purposes, the game was over as Sophomore Mackenzie Noah and the Mercy hurler kept both teams in check. Noah finished with 10 strikeouts in another dominant performance.

For the Monarchs, the fun was just beginning. Don't know if it was the the pizza between games or the Rice Crispy treats, but the Cabrini bats came alive with a lot of snap, crackle and pop. Mainly pop, though as they struck for 10 runs in the first inning of the nightcap against three Mercy pitchers. The Vallimont sisters once again led the attack. Michaleigh scored twice, had two hits and two RBI, Lily also scored twice and had two hits, the big one, a 3-run homer which she followed later in the inning with a two run single. Five RBI in one inning, hence the crackle. The snap was provided by Sophomore Wyndham Reid with 3 hits, Junior Vivian Gonzalez two hits, Noah with 2 hits and her courtesy runner Freshman Ella Nowc scoring 2 runs.

As for Noah, not only did she contribute the two hits but she also tossed a 1 hitter striking out 7 in the 5 inning game which ended early due to the mercy rule being in effect. Overall, not a bad day for the Monarchs. There next game is Tuesday at home against Regina who split with them earlier this year. This game will be followed on Thursday against Livonia Clarenceville on the road.  The Monarchs then travel to Beaverton for their traditional early season tournament.  As Coach Norman says, "Let's keep the vampires away, we haven't accomplished anything yet." Go Monarchs!