Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Softball Wins Eighth-Straight BIG EAST Regular-Season Title

May 5, 2003

The University of Notre Dame softball team (33-15, 14-3) earned a share of the BIG EAST regular-season title on Sunday for the eighth-straight season. Due to the conference’s unusual scoring system, the Irish actually share the title with Boston College. The Eagles finished 14-5 in the BIG EAST and lost 11-0 to Notre Dame in five innings back on April 26.

Due to that tie breaking win, Notre Dame earns the number one seed to the BIG EAST Championship, which begins Thursday, May 8, in Salem, Va.

Villanova (32-13, 13-7) and Seton Hall (37-12, 13-7) will join Notre Dame and Boston College in the championship field.

The winner of the BIG EAST Championship will receive the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Softball Championship. The NCAA field has expanded to 64 teams this season, so a strong showing by any team in the BIG EAST Championship could earn an at-large bid as well.

Tickets for the BIG EAST Championship can be purchased in Salem at the James A. Moyer Complex each day of the tournament. Admission will be $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. BIG EAST students are admitted free with campus ID.

BIG EAST Championship Schedule

Thursday, May 8

Game one – No. 2 Boston College vs. No. 3 Villanova, 5 p.m.

Game two – No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 4 Seton Hall, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 9

Game three – winner game one vs. winner game two, 3 p.m.

Game four – loser game one vs. loser game two, 5 p.m.

Game five – loser game three vs. winner game four, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 10

Game six – winner game three vs. winner game five, 3 p.m.

Game seven (if necessary) – same teams as game six, 5 p.m.