March 20, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Following one of the program’s most successful spring break trips, Notre Dame pitcher Michelle Moschel (Naples, Fla.) and first baseman Andrea Loman (Riverside, Calif.) both earned conference honors Monday for their play last week. Moschel was named the BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week for the first time in her career, while Loman earned BIG EAST Rookie of the Week honors.

In three appearances last week, Moschel went 2-0 with a save, compiling 17 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Against Loyola Marymount, she threw her fourth complete game and second shutout, allowing just five hits. In her next outing, Moschel struck out 10 batters and picked up her fourth straight win in the team’s 4-2 victory over Texas. Moschel then preserved the team’s upset win against #6 Oklahoma, striking out four and allowing just one hit in a little over three innings.

Loman batted .316 in Notre Dame’s seven games last week with five runs scored, four stolen bases and three RBI. Loman tied a school-record in Notre Dame’s win over Texas with two home runs in consecutive at-bats and recorded the winning run versus Cal State Northridge and #6 Oklahoma.

Loman and Moschel join junior Melanie Alkire (Union City, Calif.) and freshman Andria Bledsoe (Higley, Ariz.), who were named the BIG EAST player of the week and BIG EAST rookie of the week on March 13, the first week for conference honors.

The Notre Dame softball team (18-6) will play host to Purdue in the 2000 season opener, Thursday, March 23, at 4 p.m.