The softball team managed just three hits and was unable to pick up a third straight win, losing 4-1 at Notre Dame on Thursday. The loss came just one day after coach Terri Laux became Ball State's all-time winningest softball coach.
Ball State (12-23) was able to break open the scoreless game in the fourth. Sarah McGregor singled to get things started and advanced to second on a passed ball. Yancey then singled and McGregor scored on a throwing error.
But Notre Dame (22-8) had an answer in the bottom half of the inning. Two of the first three Irish reached base with singles, setting up runners at the corners. Liz Hartmann then blasted a home run, giving Notre Dame a 3-1 lead. The Irish added another run later in the inning.
"We were a little hesitant on a couple defensive plays," Laux said. "We extended the inning for them a little bit, then (Hartmann) hit a big home run."
Ball State couldn't muster another rally the rest of the game, as Yancey's second-inning single was the only other hit. Heather Booth struck out 12 BSU batters and picked up her 12th win of the season for the Irish.
The lack of offense left Laux disappointed.
"Very much so," she said, "especially when you have 12 strikeouts and seven were looking. We didn't go up there looking to get a hit.
"I'm disappointed that we didn't come out and play our best game. That seems to be a trend for us lately."
The win pushes Notre Dame's win streak to 11 games. The Irish are 6-0 at home this season and have won 17 of their last 18 games overall.
Amy Brownfield (4-5) took the loss for the Cards, recording three strikeouts in a complete-game effort.
Ball State returns home for a pair of doubleheaders this weekend. The Cards will host Bowling Green on Saturday and Western Michigan on Sunday. Both days are slated for a 1 p.m. start.
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