The University of Notre Dame softball team defeated Syracuse 6-2 in the series opener on April 17, improving their record to 18-26 overall and 7-12 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
This win brings Notre Dame’s conference victories this season to seven, matching last year’s total with five ACC games remaining. The result also continues a trend for the Irish, who are now undefeated at 13-0 when scoring six or more runs this season.
Notre Dame held a one-run lead entering the sixth inning before breaking out offensively with four runs on five hits. Caitlyn Early delivered a two-run pinch-hit single to right center field, followed by Caroline O’Brien driving in another run with a single up the middle. Freshman Lily Hagan contributed a double earlier in the inning and recorded multiple hits and a walk during the game.
Seven different Notre Dame players registered hits, as the team hit .429 when leading off an inning and .333 with runners on base. In pitching, senior Micaela Kastor struck out five batters over five innings while allowing just one earned run to earn her fifth win of the season and thirty-second career victory. Kami Kamzik pitched the final two innings, striking out two.
Notre Dame will aim to secure the series against Syracuse tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. on ACCNX.
