NOTRE DAME RALLIES TO BEAT CENTRAL 4-3

The Notre Dame High School softball team is off to a 2-0 start, thanks to Wednesday's thrilling 4-3 victory over arch-rival Cape Girardeau Central at Arena Park.

Notre Dame, which had rolled past St. Vincent in Tuesday's season opener, fell behind Central 3-0 in the first inning but was able to rally for the victory. The Lady Tigers fell to 1-1.

"It really was an exciting game," said Notre Dame coach Chris Janet. "The girls never quit and it's a big win for us. Central has a strong program and we haven't beaten them in a while."

Central used four singles and an error to score its three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Holly Schnurbusch and Laura Beard delivered RBI hits.

Notre Dame finally got on the board in the fifth with two runs, both scoring with two outs. Katlyn Kelly and Tracie Kluesner each singled and Stacy Schwartz plated them with a triple.

"When we got the two runs in the fifth, it was really a boost," Janet said. "You could see it in the girls' eyes that they were going to come back and win the game."

The Lady Bulldogs went ahead for good with a two-run sixth. With one out, Laura Weissmueller and Lindsay Reinagel both singled, putting runners on first and third. Pinch-runner Alana Weissmueller stole second and Central's catcher tried to surprise Laura Weissmueller at third on the play, but the ball got away and rolled all the way into the outfield, which allowed both Weissmuellers to score.

Reinagel pitched all seven innings for the victory, her second in as many days. She allowed just one hit and two runners after the first inning, finishing with a five-hitter and giving up two earned runs. She struck out five and did not issue a walk.

"It's a credit to Lindsay the way she settled down after the first inning," said Janet.

Schnurbusch also went the distance and suffered the loss. She allowed nine hits and two earned runs, with seven strikeouts and no walks.

"We beat a really good pitcher," Janet said.

Kelly paced Notre Dame with three hits while Laura Weissmueller added two. No Central player had more than one hit.

Notre Dame's JV is also 2-0 after routing Central 17-3. Robyn Beal was the winning pitcher and Lori Obermann had four hits.

The Lady Bulldogs play their third game in as many days today when they host Poplar Bluff.

St. Louis Notre Dame 1, Jackson 0

ST. LOUIS -- Jackson opened its season by playing a marathon 14-inning game on the road.

Notre Dame of St. Louis used two hits to push across the only run in the bottom of the 14th.

"It was an awesome game," said Jackson coach Julie Rushing. "Defensively, our team was awesome, and Ashley Snell pitched a great game. The only thing I could ask for is a couple of more hits."

Snell hurled the entire contest, allowing six hits. She fanned three and walked one.

Jackson had four hits, led by Melissa Sander with two.

The Lady Indians play their first home game today as Hillsboro visits.