FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Notre Dame College's offense tallied 24 hits in two games on Sunday afternoon, but it was not enough as they fell to Fairmont State University by a score of 11-8 in game one and 8-4 in game two.

In the first game of the day, Fairmont State (11-11, 7-1 MEC) got off to a hot start, scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. Beth Cook had the highlight with a grand slam during a five run second inning.

Notre Dame (6-13, 2-4 MEC) tried to comeback, beginning in the fourth inning. Senior Amy Hoover had an RBI ground out to cut the deficit to seven runs, 10-3. In the fifth inning, three runs scored on an error, an RBI single by junior Halli Swiger and a groundout by freshman Katelyn Rheude. In the top of the sixth inning, freshman McKenzie Zigmont slammed a two-run home run to make the score 11-8.

However, neither team scored the rest of the game. For the Falcons, junior Shelby Stephens had three hits in the leadoff spot and Swiger also collected three hits. Both Zigmont and Hoover had two RBI.

The Fighting Falcons had five players with a multi-hit game. Cook had two hits and five RBI. Rachel Bias (4-6) was awarded the win even though she allowed eight runs, five earned, on 14 hits over 5 1/3 innings. Hannah Absalom (1) grabbed her first save of the season as she pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

In game two, FSU again grabbed the lead with two runs in the first inning and two runs in the second. Notre Dame did cut the Fairmont State lead to one run, 4-3, when freshmen Ariel Linberger and Kim Crookston had RBI singles in the top of the third inning.

Fairmont State pulled away in the bottom of the sixth inning with run scoring doubles by Jenny Stubbs and Andie Baughman, and an RBI single by Cook.

"Our defense needs to tighten up," said head coach Amy Kyler, following the games. "Our hitters are becoming more aggressive but need to continue to improve."

NDC received three hits in the game from Stephens, and six hits on the day, including a double. Linberger recorded two hits and two RBI. Crookston also had two hits.

The Fighting Falcons got three hits from Cook and two hits from Kaylee Andersen. Absalom (5-4) picked up the win with a complete game, allowing four runs, three earned.

"We have two tough games (tomorrow). I am looking to have solid defense as well as pitching," Kyler said. "Hitters need to step up and attack the first good strike."

Notre Dame will travel to Shepherd University to play tomorrow, March 26. The double-header is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.