Notre Dame softball: Big first inning propels Irish

The Notre Dame softball team put up a big 7-spot in the first inning en route to an 11-4 victory over No. 23 Louisville on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Irish (6-1) earned their fifth straight win, and evened the all-time series against Louisville at 14-14 with a weekend sweep of the Cardinals. Notre Dame outscored the opposition, 26-8, in the three-game tournament, outhitting Louisville and Jacksonville a combined 39-14.

All-American Emilee Koerner picked up her second leadoff home run of the season and added a double and two RBIs in a 2-for-3 day. Micaela Arizmendi also had a double and home run. Chloe Saganowich went 3-for-4 with a double.

Laura Winter (3-1) pitched 5Ð innings in relief to earn the victory.

At Jacksonville, Fla.

Rachel Nasland, Lauren Winter (2; W, 3-1). Rachel Le Coq (L, 2-2), Caralisa Connell (1).

2B: Emillee Koerner (ND), Katey Haus (ND), Laura Winter (ND), Cassidy Whidden (ND), Megan Sorlie (ND), Micaela Arizmendi (ND), Chloe Saganowich (ND), Whitney Arion (L) 2.

HR: Koerner (ND), Arizmendi (ND).

T – 2:10. A – 125.