by John Schaefer
Notre Dame defeated the Highlands Bluebirds in the 9th Region Tournament Semi-final game at Northern Kentucky University on Thursday, May 30th. Sophomore right-hander, Haylee Smith earned her 16th victory with another strong defensive performance that continues to showcase the strength of team Panda.
Smith carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning before Highlands managed to get a ball past the Panda defense. Laura Finke (Jr) reached 3 times, scoring twice once on a single by Smith in the 1st and then again in the 4th off the bat of Hanna Sullivan (Jr). Abby Jones (Fr) doubled in the 3rd and scored off Maria Schaefer’s bat. The Pandas again were efficient in their offense and defense to put away the young Bluebirds and move onto tomorrow’s championship game at 5:30 at NKU where they will meet the Conner Cougars.