The California softball team split its doubleheader against Notre Dame on March 29 at Melissa Cook Stadium, winning the first game 10-2 and losing the second in extra innings, 9-7.
The results reflect both strong offensive performances and a close contest between the teams. The outcome affects Cal’s overall record and their standing in conference play.
In game one, California scored ten runs on twelve hits and stole six bases. Kayla Lee led with four hits and two stolen bases. Kayli Counts and Natalie Marshall each drove in three runs. Notre Dame took an early lead with an RBI single, but Marshall tied it up for Cal in the second inning. A five-run fourth inning gave Cal a comfortable lead, highlighted by key hits from Carly Raven, Counts, and Marshall. Additional runs across later innings secured the win for California.
Game two saw continued aggression from Cal on the basepaths as Lee stole two bases before scoring in the first inning. Notre Dame responded with a three-run home run to take an early lead. Cal regained momentum with a two-run homer by Raven in the third inning and added another run when Gator Robinson was hit by a pitch with bases loaded. Despite leading again after Raven’s second home run of the day in the sixth inning, California could not hold off Notre Dame’s comeback efforts as they forced extra innings and won with a walk-off two-run homer.
With these results, California moves to a 12-25 overall record and is now 2-10 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. The team will next host Louisville on Thursday for another conference matchup.
Fans can follow updates about Cal softball through their official X (CalSB), Instagram (CalSB), or Facebook (CalSoftball) accounts.
