Front Royal, Va.- The Notre Dame (MD) softball team put on its best performance of the season, dominating Christendom College in their doubleheader on Thursday, Mar. 23. The Gators took game one 24-0 and then continued their momentum, rolling to a 19-0 victory in game two. 
 
Among the amazing individual performances, Jessie Leatherwood's performance was truly historic. Leatherwood, who is the programs all-time leader in strikeouts, was dominant in the circle, striking out 12 of the 15 batters she faced, throwing the first perfect game in school history. 
 
GAME 1
The Gators (4-7 Overall) grabbed the lead in the first inning. With a runner in scoring position, Lilyian Hafner launched a double into center field, plating the game's first run. Leatherwood followed with single through the left side that scored Hafner, giving NDMU a 2-0 lead. 
 
NDMU's offense exploded in the second inning, with the team driving in seven runs. The rally was highlighted by Miranda Burton. With the bases loaded, Burton crushed a ball over the left fielder, and raced around the bases for the inside the park grand slam. Later in the inning Bethani Newbold lined a ball down the left field line, recording a standup a triple and making the score 8-0. 
 
While the Gators offense was cooking, Gena Donalds was in complete control in the circle. Donalds allowed on runs and only two hits while picking up seven strikeouts. NDMU kept hitting in the third inning, as the team drove in six more runs on seven hits. The Gators started the inning with five consecutive singles, eventually building their advantage to 15. The offense continued rolling in the fifth inning, where they plated eight more runs. The inning was highlighted by a three-run triple by Emily Bonnett that push the advantage to 20. NDMU easily rolled to a 24-0 victory.  
 
GAME 2 
The Gators (5-7 Overall) remained in rhythm in game two, taking complete control of the game with an 11-run second inning. The scoring started when Kendall Snyder drove a single through the left side to plate the game's first run. With the bases loaded, Donalds rocketed a double into left field, driving in three runs and giving the Gators a 4-0 lead. Harley Barton and Hafner each drove in a run to extend the lead to six. After NDMU capitalized on a couple of errors by the Crusaders, Emma Livingston capped off the inning with a two-run double to left field. 
 
While NDMU continued to score at will, Leatherwood put on one of the best pitching performances in school history. She completely folded the Crusaders batters, striking out 12 of the 15 batters she faced. In addition, she recorded two of the other three outs of the game, catching a popup and throwing a runner out at first. 
 
The Gators tacked on four runs in the third inning and three runs in the fourth inning to build a 19-run lead. Newbold had a career outing at the plate, going 4-5 in game two. Meanwhile, Donalds made the most of her five at bats, bringing home five RBIs. Leatherwood struck out the side in the fifth inning, securing the first perfect game in school history.  
 
WHO'S NEXT 
The Gators will return home to begin CSAC play when they host Valley Forge University in a doubleheader on Wednesday, Apr. 5. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
 
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