COLUMBUS, Ga. - [Bracket | Schedule | Watch] In a 12-inning affair, Marian University (Ind.) narrowly defeated Southern Oregon University 3-2 in game two at South Commons. This hard-fought victory improved the Knights' record to 48-7, while the Raiders' record fell to 48-9.

The game was a pitching showcase, with both starters going the distance in a marathon that lasted nearly three hours. Marian's Olivia Stunkel (W, 30-0) delivered a stellar performance, pitching all 12 innings, allowing 10 hits, 2 earned runs, and striking out two batters. Southern Oregon's Ayla Davies (L, 31-5) matched her opponent's endurance, also pitching 12 innings, with 11 hits and 3 earned runs, while recording an impressive 15 strikeouts.

The scoreboard remained silent until the fifth inning when Abigail Hofmann of the Knights broke the deadlock with a two-run homer to left field, bringing in Mystic Means and giving Marian a 2-0 lead. Southern Oregon responded in the seventh inning with two outs, tying the game at 2-2. Sarah Kerling singled up the middle, scoring Kierstin Grotewiel, and Kailer Fulton followed with an RBI single to center field, bringing home Brooke Nordahl.

SOU looked to walk it off in the top of the 11th inning when Kierstin Grotewiel sent a shot deep to left field that looked to be heading out of the ballpark, before Hofmann climbed the wall to bring it back. The deadlock persisted until the 12th inning when Marian capitalized on a sacrifice fly by Lillian Wendt, scoring Brooke Knox from third base. Despite Southern Oregon's efforts, they were unable to answer back in the bottom of the inning, sealing the Knights' triumph.

Both teams displayed solid fielding, although each committed two errors. The Knights' defense was bolstered by double plays from Lillian Wendt and Hayley Greene.

Marian (Ind.) will have an off day tomorrow, Friday, before playing in game 12 on Saturday, May 24 at 7 p.m. against the winner of game eight tomorrow evening. Southern Oregon will play tomorrow at 10 a.m. against the loser of game three in an elimination game.