SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Notre Dame Falcons played their home opener at Campus Field on Saturday afternoon, and split a double header against Findlay, taking the first game 6-5, to end their ten game losing streak, and dropped the back end 13-7. (Game 1) (Game 2)

For the Falcons (7-12) it was their first bit of action in two weeks, since the University of Mobile Classic. #Charisse Colston# had an incredible afternoon for NDC. Colston went 4-for-4 over the course of the twin bill and reached base in all six plate appearances. The sophomore from Oakwood Village, Ohio, scored five runs, drove in three, and had a pair of extra base hits.

Notre Dame surrendered a pair of runs over the first two innings to fall behind, 2-0 in game one. The Falcons rallied to score single runs in the third and fourth inning to tie the game, and then put up four in the fifth inning to pull away. #Melissa Dykes# ripped an RBI single to give the Falcons the lead, and Colston's two-run homer capped the frame. It was Colston's second homer of the season.

Findlay plated five runs in the first inning of game two, and never looked back. The Oilers used a 21-hit attack, scoring five times in the first, and posted a pair of four-run frames. The Falcons were able to come from behind and made the early 5-0 deficit disappear. The Falcons plated a pair in the second inning when Colston tripled in #Felisha Jones#, and Colston scored moments later on a wild pitch. An error allowed #Mallory Harder# to score in the third and the Falcons scored twice in the fourth inning to tie the game. #Michelle Dykes#'s double scored Colston, and Dykes scored later in the inning on #Nicole Spehar#'s single.

Findlay answered quickly, and plated four runs on six hits in the next half inning, and really pulled away after scoring four more times in the seventh.

#Ashley Harbarger# (2-2) earned the victory in game one for the Falcons. She allowed three unearned runs on seven hits over five innings of relief and struck out two batters. #Meredith Harbarger# (2-7) was tagged with the loss in the second contest after allowing six runs on seven hits over two and a-third innings of relief.

Harder went 4-for-4 in Notre Dame's first contest, and ended up 4-for-7 on the afternoon with three runs scored. Spehar went 3-fo-6 on the afternoon and drove in a run.

The Falcons are back in action next Saturday, March 27, when they host Cedarville in a double header at Campus Field. First pitch for the American Mideast Conference tilt is scheduled for 1 pm. 

NOTES FROM THE NEST: 

HOME SWEET HOME: After the split, the Falcons are now 7-1 in home openers dating back to 2003. The Falcons went 14-2 at Campus Field a year ago, and they are 55-10 on college road over the last four years.