Notre Dame softball: Virginia Tech rally too much for Irish

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kat Banks hit a three-run single in the top of the fifth to rally Virginia Tech to a 4-3 win over Notre Dame in the first game of the Lexington Regional in Lexington, Ky.

Banks also homered for the Hokies (36-19), who loaded the bases against Notre Dame's Laura Winter before Banks delivered the key hit.

Kelsey Thornton had three hits for Notre Dame (43-14) and Lauren Stuhr went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Notre Dame will face either Kentucky or Marshall in an elimination game Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Jasmin Harrell, Kelly Heinz (4, W, 16-7); Laura Winter (L, 29-11).

2B: Lauren Gaskill (VT), Lauren Stuhr (ND).

HR: Kat Banks (TV).

Records: Virginia Tech 36-19, Notre Dame 43-13.