Irish look to give Miller 300th win at Notre Dame
By RACHAEL PROTZMAN
Sports Writer
Notre Dame softball looks to give head coach Liz Miller her 300th win with the Irish as they open conference play with a doubleheader against Connecticut today.
Miller, now in her eighth season at Notre Dame and currently 298-143 for the Irish, has led Notre Dame softball to a 23-8 record, the best in the program's 12-year history, with its next best year a 21-9 season in 1995.
"The three years I've played for her she's been very personable. She cares about stuff on and off the field," said junior Melanie Alkire, "She's a good motivator and she puts a lot of emotion into everything. She's good at making sure we're giving 110 percent all the time and doesn't accept anything less. She coaches every game for what it's worth."
The No. 21 Irish are coming off a 5-2 victory over Eastern Michigan on Wednesday.
Notre Dame's Jennifer Kriec tripled to right field before scoring on an infield single by Alkire to give the Irish the lead in the third.
But the Eagles fought back in the fourth with two singles and a double to drive in two runs for the 2-1 lead.
Freshman Lisa Mattison kicked off the Irish half of the fourth with an RBI double while Alkire drove in two runs with a single. Sophomore Jarrah Myers singled to drive in the final Irish run. Pitcher Jennifer Sharron earned the win, upping upped her record to 12-3.
Notre Dame, chosen to finish first in the Big East preseason poll, hopes to grab its first two conference wins against Connecticut (15-9).
The Irish have a 10-5 all-time record against the Huskies, earning three wins last year, including a 4-1 victory in the conference tournament. But Connecticut's all-Big East first team shortstop Jessica Yanosy will look to put a stop to Notre Dame offense.
"She's not just out there for herself," Alkire said of Miller's possible 300th win. "She wants to win for us, because everyone else wants to win."
Notre Dame will begin doubleheader play at 4 p.m. today at Ivy Field against Connecticut.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 31, 2000
