UNIVERSITY CITY, Mich. – The UIndy softball team fell to No. 20 Saginaw Valley, 3-1, in the opening game of the NCAA DII Midwest Super Regional on Thursday. The host Cardinals managed their only runs in the second inning, with a three-run homer ultimately proving to be the difference.
 
The two Midwest powers return to the field tomorrow to determine the Midwest champ. First pitch of game 2 is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET, with a UIndy victory forcing a winner-take-all game 3.
 
INS & OUTS
The top-seeded Cardinals jumped in front in the bottom of the second with a two-out, three-run homer from sophomore infielder Natalie Savage.
 
The Greyhound bats stayed mostly quiet until the top of the sixth when UIndy crafted a two-out rally to get back in it. Cara Cooper launched on 1-1 pitch to straight-away center, clearing the 212' sign for the team's first run.
 

Cara Coooooooper! ?? #D2SB x #ONEHOUND pic.twitter.com/lXAs2uSRaC

— UIndy Softball (@UIndySoftball) May 15, 2025

 
After Cooper's solo shot, Josie Jager followed with a single to keep the pressure on, but all-region hurler Macy Irelan got out of the inning to the cushion at two runs and later tossed a 1-2-3 the seventh to secure the win.
 
Jager added a first-inning double as the only Hound with more than one hit. Cheyenne Eads drew a walk and Sydney Oliver had a successful sac bunt.
 
In the circle, Eads went the distance, scattering six hits and striking out six. She now owns a 25-12 record on the year.
 
FUN FACT
This week's postseason pairing features a rematch of the 2009 Super Regional. The Greyhounds also dropped game one that day but took the next two games on their way to their first-ever World Series appearance.