There are good opening days and then there are great opening days when it comes to baseball or softball, and Notre Dame’s softball team had a great one home opener on Wednesday afternoon.
Playing host to Valparaiso, the Irish cruised to an 8-0 victory, but the final score doesn’t tell the complete story as Alexis Holloway, Morgan Ryan, and Payton Didd combined to no-hit the Crusaders. This marks the second time this season the Irish combined to no-hit the opposition, doing so back on Valentine’s Day versus Alabama State.
Notre Dame struck early on offense, scoring twice in the first inning that got started thanks to senior Abby Sweet’s leadoff double.
Chelsea Purcell’s three-for-three afternoon included a three-run home run for the Irish that streched the lead to 6-0 in the third inning and the only compelling part remaining was if Valparaiso would record a hit.
Ryan entered in the fourth inning and recorded two innings without allowing a hit before Didd pitched the sixth inning before a Leea Hanks RBI-double extended the lead to 8-0, invoking the slaughter rule and completing the no-hitter.
Notre Dame improves to 13-8 overall in 2021 as they’re 6-6 in ACC play. The Irish remain home this weekend to host North Carolina State for a four game series.