Five days after having a season high in hits, the Ball State University softball team had its season low Wednesday: 0.
The Cardinals (15-26, 6-6 Mid-American Conference) were no-hit by the University of Notre Dame (23-14). Ball State's only base runners on the day came from walks from Notre Dame sophomore pitcher Brittney Bargar.
"I didn't realize [the no-hit game] until I got the box score about 10 minutes after the game," coach Craig Nicholson said.
Bargar had a perfect game against the Cardinals until she walked junior Amanda Pick with two outs in the fifth inning. Pick stole second before freshman Amber Wolf struck out to end the inning.
Ball State got another base runner in the sixth when sophomore Kamilah Holle led off the inning with a walk. Sophomore Katelyn Gunderson then reached on a fielder's choice. Freshman Alisha Etzler pinch ran for Gunderson and stole second and third. Sophomore Allie Pennock struck out, and senior Kelli Jeziorski grounded out to first to end the inning.
"We had some opportunities and never got the clutch swing," Nicholson said.
Senior Kenya Fuemmeler relieved Bargar in the seventh and completed the no-hitter. The pair combined to strike out eight Cardinals.
The game ended when freshman Elizabeth Milian struck out swinging.
"[After the game] I told [the team] our approach at the plate wasn't real good," Nicholson said. "We have to make better adjustments."
Ball State had a season-high 15 hits against the University of Toledo Friday. The Cardinals had 12 hits en route to 16 runs in the seventh inning against the Rockets.
The disparity between the games is an example of the lack of consistency that Ball State has displayed this season, Nicholson said.
"I'm disappointed we didn't come out ready to play," Jeziorski said.
The Cardinals also continued their defensive inconsistency as they committed three errors against the Fighting Irish. Ball State has committed 72 errors this season.
"There's not a heck of a lot you can take from this game," Nicholson said.
The errors led to a pair of unearned runs against the pitcher Milian. She gave up six hits, walked one and struck out three in her complete game performance.
Ball State did break the school's stolen base record. The Cardinals stole three bases and have 100 on the season, surpassing the previous record of 98 in 1991.
Last season Ball State was no-hit by Purdue University April 4. The Cardinals went 5-17 after the loss.
The Cardinals do not have a lot of time to think about being no-hit though, as they host a doubleheader against Wright State University (16-21) Thursday at 2 p.m.
The Raiders are coming off being swept by another MAC team, Miami University, in a doubleheader Tuesday.
Ball State needs to come out big and forget about Wednesday's performance, Jeziorski said.
"We just need to have some success and gain some confidence back," Nicholson said.
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