SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Notre Dame College offense did not take Sunday off, as they scored 17 combined runs in a double-header sweep of Wheeling University. The Falcons won the first game, 8-3, and took game two, 9-1, in five innings.

NDC recorded five extra base hits in game one, including three home runs. It began in the second inning, when freshman Ellen Wheatland hit a two-run homer to left field.

With runners on first and second base in the third inning, senior Mikaela Fording also homered to left field, putting NDC ahead 5-0. With the score 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Fording came up to bat and hit her second home run of the day to left center field. She would finish the game going 3-for-3 at the plate, with three RBI.

"I just wanted to come out on top today, especially after my performance yesterday," Fording said. "I wanted to pick myself up. That's what I did."

Freshman McKenzie Anderson singled to start the sixth inning and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by senior Katelyn Rheude. A double by junior Daniele Rivera scored a run. Later in the inning, the Falcons scored their eighth run of the game on an error.

Senior Taylor Olson picked up her third win in of the season by pitching four innings, allowing two runs. She had a streak of 20 1/3 scoreless innings, before allowing a run on Sunday. Senior McKenzie Zigmont pitched the final three innings and picked up the save.

"Our pitching staff has been doing well," Fording mentioned. "They've been working so hard and they're hitting their spots and are confident in the circle."

Rivera and Anderson each had two hits in game one.

NDC opened up the scoring early in game two, scoring three times in the second inning. Wheatland singled in two runs as Rehm and Fording, who were both in scoring position, came home. Later in the inning, a ball that was popped up into left field was dropped, allowing Wheatland to score.

The next inning, runners were on second and third, again for Wheatland. The Falcons' first baseman drove in two more runs with a single to center field. Sophomore Mya Wright singled in another run and then a fourth run scored on a wild pitch. Notre Dame led 7-0.

The Falcons ended the game early in the fifth. Pinch-hitter Tia Rizzo hit an RBI single to center and two batters later, Olson drove in a run with a single to center field which put the Falcons up by eight runs, 9-1, and ended the contest.

"I am extremely proud of this entire team, two great team wins and it took everyone," head coach Kelsey Stopp said. "We made huge adjustments from the day before. Our bats really came together today and we can't wait for our next games ahead."

Wheatland went 2-for-2, with four RBI. She did not have an RBI coming into the day and finished the double-header with six. Wright went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs. Freshman Chloe Vance picked up her first win as she pitched five innings, allowing just one run.

Notre Dame will stay home to play Ursuline College on March 24. The first game of the double-header is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.