DECATUR, Ala. -- Mount Mercy and California State-San Marcos combined for only seven hits, but the fifth-ranked Crusaders managed to capitalize on one of theirs to win, 1-0, in the second round of pool play on Saturday at the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Park.

California State-San Marcos finished with four hits, Mount Mercy three. But the Crusaders (40-14) got the timely hit, a run-scoring single in the top of the third inning that proved to be the game winner. The Mustangs had their chances, putting two runners on base in the first and leaving the bases loaded in the third, but couldn't break through.

Crusader starter Brenna Sandberg outdueled Mustang sophomore right-hander Becca Smith (26-5), striking out 11 and walking four. Smith was nearly as dominant, giving up the one earned run while finishing with four strikeouts and a base on balls.

Mount Mercy (36-11) takes an 0-2 record in pool play into their tournament finale against Union (Ky.) on Monday at 10:30 a.m.