SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Sitting with a 10-10 record, including ranked wins over No. 15 Missouri and No. 23 San Diego State, the Notre Dame softball team begins conference play this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, taking on the Louisville Cardinals in a three game series.
The Irish play Friday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. All games will be played at Ulmer Stadium and broadcasted on ACC Network Extra.
Notre Dame is 28-18 all-time against Louisville historically, dating back to both program’s days in the Big East. The Irish have won five of the last six matchups and eight of the past 10. The last time the two teams played was in 2023.
The top of the Irish lineup has been setting the table through the first 20 games of the year. Emily Tran, who’s hit leadoff in 15 games, is hitting .321 out of the top spot, scoring 13 runs to pace the team. Hitting right behind her is Mickey Winchell, who has a team-best .395 batting average and has crossed home plate 11 times this year. Those two have set up Addison Amaral well in the three-hole. The Notre Dame sophomore middle infielder leads the team with 20 hits, three home runs and 19 runs batted in.
Notre Dame pitching has been racking up strikeouts in the circle. The 120 strikeouts by the Irish pitching staff this year is tied for the third-most in the ACC. Micaela Kastor’s 49 punch outs this season are tied for sixth most in the conference while Kami Kamzik is in the top-15 with 34 strikeouts.
The Irish have got contributions all up and down the roster. The trio of Olivia Levitt, Paige Cowley and Sydny Poeck have all played bigger roles during 2025 then they did last year. Levitt is hitting .375 after breaking out at the Mardi Gras Classic a couple weeks ago. Cowley is second on the team with two home runs and is slugging .625. Poeck hit her first career home run against Cal State Fullerton and has seen time in the outfield and at first base.
This weekend against Louisville is the first of a seven game road trip for Notre Dame. They head to Ohio State next Tuesday for a midweek game followed by a three-game series at NC State the weekend after. The home opener for Notre Dame is set for Tuesday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. against Indiana on ACC Network.