April 5, 2006
The University of Notre Dame softball team (20-11) lost is first game in over two weeks with a 4-2 setback to Akron (12-14) at Ivy Field on Wednesday afternoon. Notre Dame’s offense doomed itself in the contest, posting just one infield hit until the team was able to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Notre Dame’s offense has been up and down this season and the Irish ended up encountering one of their downswings against Akron. Freshman Brittney Bargar took the loss for the Irish, dropping her first pitching decision since the Irish lost 2-1 in eight innings to Stephen F. Austin on March 5. Bargar allowed three runs on three consecutive hits with two outs in the top of the third inning and the Zips tacked on an insurance run in the fifth.
The Irish would manage only four hits in the contest, with three of those coming in the bottom of the seventh inning. Akron starting pitcher Megan MacKenzie posted perhaps her best outing of the season, going all seven innings, striking out five and not allowing a single walk. She also was helped by her defense, especially centerfielder Lisa McLean who robbed Notre Dame of two extra base hits in the outfield.
Cali Straton paced the Zip offense going two for two at the plate with two RBI singles. Julie Boyes has one of the big hits as well, a two-RBI double to plate the first two runs of the game for Akron.
Notre Dame’s two runs came in the bottom of the seventh inning. With two runners on and two outs, freshman Linda Kohan posted a two-RBI double to draw the Irish closer and avoid the shutout. Freshman Erin Glasco then popped up the first pitch she was offered to end the inning and push the Irish to their first loss at Ivy Field this season.
The 2006 season continues this weekend on the road as the Irish return to BIG EAST Conference play. Notre Dame will face Syracuse on Saturday, then take on Pittsburgh Sunday before returning to campus.