March 12, 2004
The University of Notre Dame softball team (12-8) dropped its second consecutive game to a top-15 team, losing 3-0 to #11/12 Michigan (13-5) in the first game of the Florida State Invitational on Friday afternoon. The Irish will face Troy State at 6 p.m. Friday evening to continue the tournament.
The Irish, fresh off a 10-inning battle with #4/5 Florida State (a 4-3 loss) on Thursday evening, could not manage a single hit off Michigan starting pitcher Jennie Ritter. Ritter struck out nine Irish batters and came a hit-by-pitch away from tossing a perfect game.
Notre Dame’s starting pitcher, Steffany Stenglein, threw well (giving up four hits) but got into trouble by issuing three walks. In the bottom of the first, UM’s Tiffany Haas drew a walk and scored on a home run by Jennifer Olds. The Wolverines then tacked on their third run in the fifth inning when Stephanie Bercaw drew another walk. She was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice, but Michelle Teschler stole second and scored on an RBI single by Meghan Doe.
NOTE: Due to travel difficulties for a number of Sports Information Directors this weekend, immediate statistics will not be available for a number of games during the Florida State Invitational. Boxscores and updated season statistics will be posted as soon as that information becomes available.