The University of Notre Dame softball team lost a close game to Valparaiso, 3-2, in seven innings at Melissa Cook Stadium on April 8.
The result marked a setback for the Irish during their midweek matchup. Hayden Kyne hit her third home run of the season in the first inning, bringing in two runs and increasing her season total to a team-leading 21 runs batted in.
Valparaiso scored first after loading the bases with no outs, but Notre Dame starter Micalea Kastor limited the damage by helping turn a double play. In response, Caroline O’Brien singled and stole second base before Kyne’s home run gave Notre Dame an early lead. However, Valparaiso regained control in the third inning by capitalizing on a throwing error from Notre Dame that allowed two runs to score.
Both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. Kami Kamzik pitched four innings of relief for Notre Dame without allowing any runs and giving up only two hits, lowering her earned run average to a team-best 3.63.
Notre Dame had an opportunity to tie the game in their final at-bat when Mickey Winchell and Ava Zachary reached base with singles. Kyne then singled into right field but Winchell was thrown out at home plate by Sophia Leitzen’s throw from right field, ending the contest.
