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Softball Ranked 22nd In USA Today/NFCA Division I Poll

March 22, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Making its first appearance in the top-25 rankings since 1997, the Notre Dame softball team (18-6) is ranked 22nd in this week’s USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division I poll released Wednesday.

Notre Dame is riding high after an impressive showing at the Kia Classic at Cal State Fullerton, which included 10 of the top 25 and six of the top 10 ranked teams in the nation. The Irish went 4-2 in the tournament, advancing to the semifinals after downing Cal State Northridge, Texas, #16 Louisiana-Lafayette and #6 Oklahoma. The team’s only losses were to #2 Arizona (6-3) and #3 Arizona State (2-1).

Notre Dame pitcher Jennifer Sharron (Agoura Hills, Calif.) also was honored by the NFCA as one of 10 players in this past week’s outstanding division I player performances list. Sophomore pitcher Michelle Moschel (Naples, Fla.) and freshman first baseman Andrea Loman (Riverside, Calif.) were named Monday by the BIG EAST Conference as the pitcher and rookie of the week.

Notre Dame opens its 2000 home campaign with a doubleheader Thursday, March 23, versus in-state rival Purdue at 4 p.m. at Ivy Field.