OWINGS MILLS, MD - Usually after a 24-0 loss in game one of a doubleheader, most teams wouldn't be expected to compete in its second game of the day against the same opponent. That is unless that team is the College of Notre Dame softball team. The Gators held a 1-0 lead in game two until the Mustangs were able to score one run in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively, to capture the 2-1 win and doubleheader sweep. The Gators, who are currently in their first season of NCAA Division III competition, currently stand at 0-8 overall while Stevenson improved to 12-10 with the victories.
Stevenson scored at least six runs in three of the four innings they batted in the game one, five-inning victory. Mustang pitcher Megan Kunkel threw a complete game two-hitter while striking out five Gators to lead Stevenson to the victory.
In game two, Notre Dame captured its first lead over an opponent this season with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Junior Whitley Noel (Red Lion, PA/Red Lion Area) led off the inning with a single to right field followed by a single up the middle by Erika Brooks (Reisterstown, MD/Franklin). Runners advanced to second and third after a fielder's choice. With two outs, freshman Ashley Taylor (Edgewood, MD/Harford Tech.) drove a signle to right field, scoring Brooks to give the Gators the 1-0 lead.
Stevenson responded in the fifth inning, scoring an unearned run on a bunt single with two outs. The Mustangs were able to score the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth when Sarah Moelter reached on a single, stole two bases and was driven in on a single by teammate Brittani Rynkowski.
Notre Dame pitcher Katryn Ellis (Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook) held Stevenson to just one earned run on four hits in her complete-game six inning effort. Julianne Roper earned the win for Stevenson in the circle, scattering seven hits over seven innings while striking out nine.
The Gators will look to chalk up their first ever program victory on Friday when they travel to Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) opponent Rosemont on Friday for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.
