NORTH CANTON, Ohio – On Thursday afternoon, a big comeback was needed for Notre Dame College to defeat Walsh University. The Falcons did just that, combining to score six runs over the sixth and seventh inning to win game one, 6-5, before winning convincingly, 6-1, in the second game.

Walsh took advantage of two walks and an error as they loaded the bases in the first inning of game one. Emma Bobey doubled to left field, scoring two, and then Taylor Yoder hit a sacrifice fly to center field. In the second inning, Alina Molette scored on a wild pitch, giving WU a 4-0 lead.

Notre Dame did not score until the sixth inning. Senior Erin Calhoun struck out, but reached base on a wild pitch, dropped third strike, to start the inning. Senior Halli Swiger then doubled to put runners on second and third base. Junior Ariel Linberger, who came up in big situations all game, reached base on a fielding error, allowing a run to score.

Later in the sixth inning, with bases loaded and two outs, a passed ball allowed NDC to plate another run before sophomore Katelyn Rheude singled to center field, scoring two and tying the game at four.

Walsh quickly took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth inning, when Yasmine Rivera walked to begin the inning, stole second and moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt. Molette then singled, scoring Rivera.

With one out in the top of the seventh inning, the Falcons' kept the line moving. Calhoun was hit by a pitch and Swiger singled to right center, however, both runners moved up on the throw from the outfield. A groundout by sophomore pinch-hitter McKenzie Zigmont resulted in an RBI and Linberger broke the tie with single to center field, putting NDC on top, 6-5, for their first lead of the day.

Zigmont pitched the first two innings of the game, before giving way to freshman Morgan Sullivan. She re-entered the pitcher's circle in the seventh inning and closed out the Cavaliers to earn her first career save.

Sullivan picked up her first win of the season, going four innings, allowing just one run. Linberger went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBI. Swiger added two hits.

The Falcons carried the momentum to the second game, scoring a run in the first inning on a Swiger RBI single. In the second inning, Rheude (two runs) and senior Shelby Stephens (one run), whacked back-to-back singles to give Notre Dame a 4-0 advantage. Swiger doubled for her second RBI in as many innings, putting the Falcons on top 5-0.

A single by Calhoun in the fifth inning scored NDC's sixth run while Walsh's only run came on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.

Rheude, Stephens and Swiger (top three of the batting order), combined to go 7-for-10 at the plate, with five RBI. Over the two games, Swiger recorded five hits. Junior Taylor Olson (6-7) pitched six innings, earning the win, allowing just one run.

"We had two good team wins and it was nice to see us come back in the first game after being down all game. Ariel Linberger had a nice day today," said head coach Kelsey Stopp. "Let's keep this up this weekend."
 
The Falcons will come home to take on Glenville State College, on March 31. The games will begin at 1 and 3 p.m.