JOLIET, Ill. -- The Indiana Wesleyan University softball team got off to a great start this weekend with wins in both of their games on Friday at the University of Saint Francis (Ill.) Spring Tournament in Joliet, Illinois.

Indiana Wesleyan defeated the host team Saint Francis 5-4 in the first game of the day and finished with an 8-2 win against St. Ambrose (Iowa) University. Indiana Wesleyan and St. Ambrose are both receiving votes in the latest NAIA Softball Coaches’ Top-25 Poll.

The first game with the Saints was a see-saw affair. The Saints scored a run in the bottom of the first and the Wildcats matched that run in the top of the second inning. The Saints reclaimed the lead with a single run in the bottom of the third while again the Wildcats tied the score in the next half inning.

Indiana Wesleyan claimed their first lead of the contest with a three run seventh inning to lead 5-2. Saint Francis responded with two runs in the bottom half of the frame but that was not enough as Indiana Wesleyan earned the 5-4 victory.

Gabby McIntire pitched the complete game victory for the Wildcats. She allowed four runs -- three earned -- on 11 hits in 7.0 innings.

Allison Bexell had three hits in the win with a double and a run scored. Katie Smith and Bryttany Van Vliet added two hits apiece while both of Smith’s hits were doubles. Marissa French, Van Vliet, and Lauren Benda all had one RBI.

Indiana Wesleyan never trailed in the second game between teams that received votes in the poll. IWU struck with two runs in the third inning and would build upon their lead in the final two innings. Indiana Wesleyan scored two more in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh to lead 8-0. St. Ambrose finally figured out starting pitcher Tanna Hinthorne in the seventh as they scored two runs.

Hinthorne allowed the two earned runs in a 7.0 inning complete game effort. She scattered six hits and five walks as she struck out eight batters.

The Wildcats outhit the Fighting Bees 12-6 in the game. Jessica Hull was 2-for-4 with a home run and a double and had three RBI. Smith added three more hits in the game for a total of five on Friday as she had a double, two runs, and two RBI against SAU. Van Vliet and Gabby Bogear each had two hits while Benda and Sam Hemming drew two walks a piece.

Indiana Wesleyan will finish the Saint Francis Spring Invitational tomorrow with two more games. IWU battles Ashford (Iowa) University at 11 a.m. ET and completed the weekend at 3 p.m. ET versus Judson (Ill.) University.