ND SOFTBALL: Irish fail to hold off No. 6 Demons
By: JUSTIN SCHUVER
Sports Writer
Notre Dame came up just short in their chance at revenge against No. 6 DePaul, losing 4-3 in nine innings. The Blue Demons had defeated the Irish 11-2 back on March 14, the largest losing margin so far this season for the Irish.
Leading 3-1 going into the bottom of the seventh, the Irish were unable to hold the lead and the Blue Demons scored twice to send the game into extra innings.
DePaul was able to win the game in the ninth with an RBI single, spoiling the Irish upset bid.
The Blue Demons improved their home record to 14-0, but the Irish provided perhaps the toughest challenge to that unblemished mark that DePaul has faced this year.
It was DePaul who leapt out to the early lead in the bottom of the third inning, when Dana Kerney hit a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt before stealing home.
The Irish would come back to tie the game at a run apiece in the top of the fourth inning. Shortstop Andria Bledsoe doubled to knock in third baseman Andrea Loman for the first Irish run of the game.
Notre Dame would then score two more runs in the seventh inning, one off an RBI single from right fielder Nicole deFau and one off a Blue Demon throwing error.
Irish starter Heather Booth ran into trouble early in the bottom of the seventh by walking the leadoff hitter and then hitting the next batter with a pitch. A bunt single by DePaul loaded the bases.
Sarah Martz came through in a big way with a single to left center field that plated two DePaul runs and sent the game into extra innings.
Relief pitcher Carrie Wisen would enter the game to replace Booth and would pitch well before allowing the winning run in the ninth, when Katy Kukman singled to drive in Saskia Roberson and give the Blue Demons their 40th win on the year.
Lindsay Chouinard pitched the entire game for the Blue Demons and collected the win, improving to 26-4 on the year.
The second game of the doubleheader was cancelled due to rain and time constraints.
Notre Dame returns home to face Villanova in a key Big East doubleheader this Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, May 7, 2003
