March 13, 2004
The University of Notre Dame softball team ended the second day of competition at the Florida State Invitational with two victories and a loss, dropping the night cap 2-1 to Texas A&M. The Irish offense, which pounded out 11 hits earlier in the day versus Maryland (a 6-2 win), could not find its way against the Aggies, managing just two hits.
Texas A&M starting pitcher Jill Weynand shut down the Irish baats, giving up two hits, one unearned run and striking out 10. Mallorie Lenn had an RBI single for Notre Dame, while Stephanie Brown posted the other hit for the Irish.
The Aggies posted both of their runs in the first inning when Sharonda McDonald reached on a bunt, stole second and third base – then scored on a passed ball. Jana James followed up with a solo home run off Irish starting pitcher Steffany Stenglein.
Stenglein would settle down after the first inning, however, pitching the rest of the contest with two walks, four strikeouts and six hits allowed.
Notre Dame owns a 3-2 record in the FSU Invitational (wins over Troy State, Georgia State and Maryland, losses to #11/12 Michigan and Texas A&M) and a 15-9 overall record this season. They continue play in the tournament on Sunday at 10:00 a.m., taking on Penn State. All games on Sunday during the FSU Invitational are single elimination.