SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Notre Dame College remains undefeated at home as they sweep Mercyhurst University, by a score of 4-3, in game one, and 8-0, in game two, on Thursday afternoon. This is the first time the team has started 4-0 at home since 2013.

The Falcons never trailed throughout the day and in game one, they scored first in the bottom of the second inning.

Junior Kathryn Smith singled to lead off and was followed by sophomore McKenzie Zigmont, who walked. Freshman Alexis Maciejowski executed a sacrifice bunt, which moved both runners into scoring position. Senior Halli Swiger singled to center field, scoring a run and then she moved up into scoring position on the throw to the infield. A second run scored on a wild pitch, before two runs scored on a throwing error.

Mercyhurst had bases loaded in the second inning and a runner on third in the fourth inning, but a run did not cross the plate until the sixth, as Zigmont worked out of jams in the pitcher's circle. In the sixth inning, a double scored a leadoff walk for Mercyhurst. Later in the inning, Megan Minihane tried to steal second, and after the throw from the catcher went down to second base, Jamie Ward ran home and scored from third, as both runners were safe. A third run scored on an error, however, the Lakers stranded the tying run on third.

In the top of the seventh, MU loaded the bases with one out, but Zigmont worked out of it, getting the final two outs of the inning. She also had help from sophomore right fielder Maria Payne, who had a strong throw back to the infield following a single, which halted a runner on third base.

NDC only recorded three hits in the game on the offensive end. Zigmont (4-5) threw a complete game, allowing one earned run and striking out eight.

For Mercyhurst, Tori Pierucci (1-8) only allowed two earned runs, but was saddled with the loss. Ward and Paige Crittela each had two hits.

All the offense came from Notre Dame in the second game. To lead off the bottom of the first inning, Rheude knocked a ground-rule double to deep center and freshman Mikaela Fording put down a bunt that rolled through the infield and allowed, Rheude to score. Another run would score on an RBI double by Payne to left center. NDC had five hits in the inning, but they stranded runners on second and third and, earlier in the inning, had a runner thrown out at home.

The Falcons made up for any missed opportunities with their final two at bats. In the fourth, they scored three runs and batted around the lineup, however, Payne's single to start the inning was their only hit. A run scored on an error, another scored on a sacrifice fly and the final run scored on a bases loaded walk. Mercyhurst had two errors in the inning.

"We've been working on taking advantage of the other team's mistakes," head coach Kelsey Stopp said.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Rheude had two RBI on a single to right field. Sophomore Kelsi Miske scored the eighth run on a wild pitch and because of the Notre Dame eight run lead after five innings, the game ended.

"Sweeping at home is always fun," Stopp mentioned. "McKenzie Zigmont threw awesome again in the first game. I'm proud of her. Taylor Olson threw second game and she was lights out, she was throwing really well. I'm so proud of the way Katelyn Rheude played today, she figured out her hitting and was stroking the ball. Kelsi Miske came in, in game two, and she was awesome in the field and at the plate."

Rheude, moving in the leadoff spot, did not miss a beat. She had two hits, including a double, and three RBI. Payne also had two hits, which included a double, and an RBI. Five hitters for NDC had, at least, one RBI. Junior Taylor Olson did not allow a run, just two hits and struck out four in a complete game victory.

"The pitchers feed off of when they're doing well," Stopp said. "I think, heading into this weekend, it's a good thing that they are throwing so well, especially these non-conference game, when we can work out those kinks. I think that they'll keep the momentum going."

The Falcons will stay home to play Fairmont State University on March 23. The first pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 1 p.m.