Reading, Pa.- The Notre Dame (MD) softball team took down Albright College in a nonconference doubleheader on Monday, Apr. 17. The Gators won game one 5-1 before rolling to a 9-0 win in game two. 
 
GAME 1
The Gators (10-11 Overall) got on the board first, scoring in the second inning. Ciarra Bockstie led off the inning by driving a single through the left side. Later in the inning, with a runner on third base, Emma Livingston hit a single through the left side, allowing the run to score. 
 
The Lions (3-20 Overall) answered back, scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game at one. NDMU had an immediate answer in the top of the fifth inning. Jessie Leatherwood reached base on a single to left field and Bethani Newbold reach base on an error. Lilyian Hafner drove in single into left field allowing Leatherwood to score and give NDMU a 2-1 lead. Bockstie would then reach on an error, allowing Newbold and Hafner to score stretching the lead to three. The Gators tacked on another run in the sixth inning when Leatherwood drove in Candace Forgach-Aguilar. 
 
NDMU's defense was powered by the dual pitching attack of Leatherwood and Bockstie. Leatherwood pitched the first 4.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits. Bockstie who came on in relief pitched the 3.0 innings of shutout softball, allowing only three total hits. In the bottom of the seventh inning, NDMU turned a 5-6-3 double play halting any rally attempt by the Lions. 
 
GAME 2 
The Gators (11-11 Overall) once again scored first, grabbing the lead in the top of the third inning. Leatherwood and Newbold each reached base by smashing singles up the middle. Hafner converted in the clutch, knocking a two-out single into center field, allowing both runners to score. 
 
NDMU tacked on two more runs in the top of the fourth inning. Gena Donalds led off the inning, pushing a single through the left side. Scarlett Miller then reached on error putting a pair of runners on base. Leatherwood extended the lead by hammering a double into the left center field gap, bringing home both runners. 
 
Once again, the Gators used the pitching duo of Leatherwood and Bockstie to keep the Lions' offensive attack off balance. Leatherwood pitched 4.0 innings, allowing on three hits while recording six strikeouts. Bockstie came on in relief, pitching the final 3.0 innings.
 
The Gators offense put the game out of reach in the seventh inning, scoring five more runs. The rally was highlighted by RBI singles from Newbold and Hafner. 
 
WHO'S NEXT 
The Gators will return home to continue CSAC play when they host Saint Elizabeth University on Wednesday, Apr. 19. First pitch is scheduled for 3PM.
 
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