March 1, 2003
The University of Notre Dame softball team (5-5) continued to get back into form with a 6-1 victory over McNeese State (2-9) on Saturday afternoon at the Louisiana Classic hosted by Louisiana-Lafayette.
Notre Dame’s offense came through with eight hits and six runs, while starting pitcher Steffany Stenglein worked seven solid innings. Stenglein gets her first victory of the season, giving up just three hits and one earned run while striking out six. Seniors Lisa Mattison and Andrea Loman led the way offensively for Notre Dame. Mattison drilled a two-run home run in the top of the fourth to put the Irish up 3-0. Loman finished two for three with two RBI and a run scored.
The Irish got on the board quickly, getting one run in the top of the first after Megan Ciolli led off the game with a double and scored on a Loman RBI single. Mattison’s two-run homer followed in the fourth inning after Andria Bledsoe drew a one-out walk.
McNeese State finally broke through for a run in the bottom of the fifth after Meghan Novak singled and pinch runner Ashley Fontenot stole second base. Sarah Holt then drove her in with an RBI single.
Notre Dame came back to get another run in the top of the sixth when Loman led off with a single and the Irish leading hitter this season, Meagan Ruthrauff, doubled to right center to put runners on second and third. Bledsoe drove Loman in with a ground out to second base.
Even though Stenglein was in cruise control, the Irish tacked on two more insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Sara Schoonaert, in at second base in relief of starter Alexis Madrid, drew a walk. Ciolli was then struck by a pitch to put runners at first and second. Junior Chantal DeAlcuaz then came through with her first career hit and RBI with a single up the middle. Loman ended the Notre Dame scoring with a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Ciolli to touch home plate.
Corrie Hale took the loss for McNeese State, working seven innings with six runs and one strike out.
GAME NOTES: Sara Schoonaert, Notre Dame’s top pinch run option, made her first appearance at second base this season in the game … Andrea Loman and Alexis Madrid both had stolen bases for the Irish … Megan Ciolli was solid in the lead off spot again for Notre Dame, going two for three with two runs scored … Mallorie Lenn batted in the second spot of the Notre Dame line up for the first time this season … Madrid batted ninth and ended up one for one.