SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Notre Dame College offense struggled to get going again, at home on Friday afternoon, as they lost to Shepherd University, 2-1, in game one and then fell, 6-0, in game two.

The Falcons (9-12 overall, 1-5 MEC) have been shutout in three of their last four games, and have lost seven of their last 10 games. With the win, the Rams (13-8, 3-3 MEC) are 6-4 over their last 10 games.

Game 1

Shepherd got their offense going early as Jessica Robinson singled and moved to second base on a groundout by Rachel Taylor in the second inning. Morgan Cox then singled to center field, scoring Robinson and putting the Rams up by one run.

SU added another run with small ball in the fourth inning. Debbie Stuart singled and Robinson laid down a bunt, moving the runner over. Stuart then ran to third base on a wild pitch and scored as Taylor singled into left field.

The Falcons only run of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With one out, Nicole Luciano doubled and then scored as Rachelle Miller singled to the shortstop, Sarah North. North threw the ball away at first base, allowing each runner to move up one base. NDC trailed 2-1.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Falcons had Luciano on second base with two outs, but could not score the tying run.

For Notre Dame, Luciano and Miller both had two hits in the game. Miller (1-4) was saddled with the loss as she was the starting pitcher and went five innings, allowing two runs on 10 hits. Emily Kusmits relieved her and only gave up one hit.

Kaitlin Munda (5-5) was given the win as she started in the pitching circle for SU. Munda allowed one unearned run, and struck out three hitters over seven innings. Paige Buckworth and Alexandra Witt both had two hits.

Game 2

The Rams got the first run of the game in the second inning, again. Kaitlyn Konopka hit a bases loaded single to center field, allowing Debbie Stuart to score.

Then, in the sixth inning, Shepherd blew the game open, with five runs. With two outs, and runners on first and second base, Rachel Taylor hit a two-run double. Two batters later, Konopka hit an RBI single. Two more runs scored on a tough defensive play for the Falcons. Morgan Cox popped the ball up and NDC's third baseman, Erin Calhoun, could not hold onto the ball and everyone was safe. North scored on the play and then Konopka tried to reach third base. Calhoun threw the ball to third and it sailed past shortstop, Halli Swiger. Konopka then scored and Cox reached second. When the inning came to an end, the Rams were leading, 6-0.

Shelby Stephens, Calhoun and Swiger had two hits, each for Notre Dame. NDC committed three errors in the game. Starting pitcher, Taylor Olson (5-5) was given the loss as she allowed six runs, five earned throughout the game.

For Shepherd, Konopka had three hits, while Stuart and Taylor each had two hits. Tara Hanson (5-2) started the game and pitched a complete game shutout, picking up the win.

The Falcons will play a double-header, at home, against Fairmont State University, on March 25. The first game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.