KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A tough start proved too much to overcome, as Trinity softball would come up just short in the 2023 NCCAA Softball World Series, falling 8-1 to Concordia (Mich.) in the championship final.

"This team has made history and set the bar," said head coach Amanda Fazarri. "We are proud to have ended the season with a winning record, and to be the first to finish in a championship game. We're eager to build on these experiences in future years as we continue to build. The seniors have laid down the foundation and ahve been a pivotal part of our success."

The Cardinals (44-17) took an early lead, scoring two runs on four hits in the top of the 1st, including a solo home run in the second at-bat of the game. Concordia doubled their lead in the 2nd, hitting back-to-back home runs for a 4-0 advantage.

Trinity would strike back in the bottom of the 3rd, as Maddy McIntyre and Charlie Sartoris led off with two straight singles. McIntyre would later score on Giulia Cianfriglia's fielder's choice to put the Trolls (27-20) on the board.

Concordia would pull away with a pair of runs in the 7th however, securing the championship game win. McIntyre led the Trolls at the plate, with two of the team's four base hits, along with a double in the 5th inning.

As the season comes to a close, the 2023 campaign goes down as an historic one for Trinity Softball; the team's 25 victories is the second-most in program history, as the Trolls secure their first winning season since 1992. The Trolls also earned their third appearance in the NCCAA World Series, and their first trip to the championship game.