ASHLAND, Ohio – Notre Dame College struggled to get the offense going, on the road against Ashland University, and were swept in a double-header, falling in game one, 4-0, and in game two, 6-0, on Thursday afternoon.

The Falcons (9-10 overall) have lost five of their last six games, while the Eagles (9-10) have now won four out of their last five games.

Game 1

Notre Dame started strong by getting a runner in scoring position in the first inning. Nicole Luciano was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. But back-to-back fly outs ended the inning.

The only runs of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning by Ashland. Halle Dorko singled on a bunt and Kalene Freshour reached on an error. Emily Kusmits then relieved the starting pitcher, Rachelle Miller. The next batter, Dayna Denner then laid down a bunt and reached first, to load the bases. Dorko scored on a passed ball then Ally Farrah and Paige McMenemy had RBI singles. The Eagles scored all four of their runs and recorded four of their eight hits in the fifth inning.

NDC tried to respond in the top of the sixth inning, getting two of their four hits. Maria Vanadia was hit by a pitch and then was removed for a pinch-hitter, Alyssa Larson. The next hitter, Kusmits, doubled to center field. Larson tried to score but was thrown out at home. Erin Calhoun then singled, but the Falcons left Kusmits stranded on third base.

For Notre Dame, Kusmits went 2-for-2 at the plate, and in the pitcher's circle, she threw two innings, allowing two runs. The starter, Miller (1-3), went four innings and picked up the loss because she allowed two runs, one earned.

Farrah had two hits for AU, and their starting pitcher, McMenemy (4-3), threw a complete game shutout, allowing four hits.

Game 2

Again, the Falcons' Nicole Luciano reached to start the game, this time a double to right center. Rachelle Miller moved her to third on a sacrifice bunt, but the middle part of the order could not plate the run.

AU scored three runs in the third inning. The Eagles had two runners on with one out, Dayna Denner stole third and Ally Farrah advanced to second base. During the same play, an error by the shortstop, Halli Swiger, allowed both runners to touch home plate. Later in the inning, a triple and then an RBI single by Jenny Raguz plated the third run of the inning.

In the sixth inning, Ashland added three more runs as Kylie Asmus scored on an error, Denner scored on a single, and Farrah scored on a sacrifice fly.

Luciano had two hits for the Falcons. Luciano, Emily Kusmits, and Shelby Stephens all had a double. Taylor Olson (5-4) went six innings in the pitching circle and was saddled with the loss. She allowed six runs, five earned, and 12 hits. Olson also struck out five batters. NDC committed three errors.

Paige Summers went 2-for-3 with a double for Ashland. Abbie Sgro (2-2) was given the win, as she went seven innings and did not allow a run.

The Falcons will play their home opener, tomorrow, March 24, against Shepherd University at Normandy Field. First pitch for game one of the double-header is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.