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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Softball: Irish win three of four

Notre Dame found its winning formula this weekend at the Jacksonville Tournament, taking three games and suffering only one close loss in Florida.The Irish (7-7) started the tournament Friday with a 4-1 win over Virginia (8-14). Sophomore Erin Glasco connected with a two-run double off Cavaliers hurler Coty Tolar in the first inning, giving the Irish all the runs they would need.Irish sophomore Brittney Bargar gave up only one unearned run in the fourth inning. Bargar scattered six hits while going the distance for the win.Notre Dame infielder Stephanie Brown continued her hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with a run scored.The Irish finished their day with a 7-2 win over tournament host Jacksonville. Notre Dame again got off to a fast start, scoring four runs in the first. The Irish followed that inning with three runs in the second, jumping out to a seven-run lead that was too much for the Dolphins (4-17) to overcome.Senior Kenya Fuemmeler pitched a nearly perfect game, giving up no hits and one walk in four scoreless innings. Fuemmeler picked up her first win of the season, and sophomore Christine Farrell finished off the Dolphins for her first career save.Inclement weather struck on Saturday, changing the tournament schedule for the Irish. Instead of a second game against Jacksonville, Notre Dame faced Virginia again Saturday.After falling behind 3-0 to the Cavaliers, the Irish rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning. Consecutive doubles by Linda Kohan and Heather Johnson drove home three runs to tie the game at three. With two outs and two aboard, sophomore Erin Glasco then smashed the game-winning home run. The timely homer was Glasco's first of the season.Bargar had another strong performance on the mound, throwing 5 1/3 innings and allowing just one earned run. Fuemmeler, a day after picking up her first win, recorded her first save of the season and sealed Bargar's sixth victory.The weather-related changes to the tournament also shortened Sunday's scheduled doubleheader with Michigan to a single game. The No. 13 Wolverines (19-1) squeaked out a 1-0 win over the Irish in the last game of the tournament.Bargar threw another complete game for the Irish. But took the loss, despite giving up just one run on six hits. Michigan ace Lorilyn Wilson improved to 10-1 with the performance, allowing just one hit and striking out 13 in the shutout.No players were available for comment following the games due to travel.