April 29, 2008
VALPARAISO, Ind. – Beth Northway was a perfect 3-for-3 from the dish with a double and one RBI to lead the University of Notre Dame softball team to a 6-0 non-conference win at Valparaiso on Tuesday. The victory at Valparaiso University Softball Field improved Notre Dame’s overall record to 35-17-1, as the Crusaders fell to 29-16.
Brianna Jorgensborg and Erin Marrone each had two-out singles in the fifth when the game was scoreless. Jorgensborg crossed the plate on Beth Northway’s single through the left side, beating the throw home just in time.
The Irish lead expanded to 4-0 after the sixth with three runs on two hits. Sarah Smith struck out swinging but made it to first on wild pitch. She moved to second on Katie Laing’s sacrifice bunt, Christine Lux was walked, and a one-out double by Linda Kohan plated Smith. Jorgensborg singled up the middle to score two more.
Brittney Bargar (27-10) gave up two of her three hits surrendered on the day in the bottom of sixth but left those Crusaders on base with one of her 11 strikeouts in the contest. Valpo’s Andria Zappia (18-7) gave up five runs and six hits in the loss, with relief pitcher Jill Jacobson allowing the sixth Irish run.
Two more runs on two hits and a Crusader error rounded out the scoring for Notre Dame in the top of the seventh.
Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh for a May 3 BIG EAST Conference doubleheader.
–ND–