Louisville Completes Sweep of CMU on Day Two of Cardinal Classic

Saturday, March 1

LOUISVILLE, KY

12:30 PM

University of Louisville

14-5

Central Michigan

3-10

Central Michigan

Louisville

Louisville Completes Sweep of CMU on Day Two of Cardinal Classic

March 01, 2025 | Softball

Box Score

Katie Thatcher blasts her first home run of the season

By: Sarah Ennis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville softball team completed the sweep of Central Michigan Saturday afternoon after a 13-9 victory on day two of the Cardinal Classic at Ulmer Stadium, improving to 14-5 on the season. The Cardinals second game against Northwestern was canceled due to low temperatures in the evening.

The Cardinals came out swinging to start the game, plating five runs on six hits, capped off by solo shot by Katie Thatcher, her first of the season in the first inning of action.

Louisville continued to pass the bat in the second inning, tacking on three more runs to extend the lead to 8-0. Bri Despines batted in Lotus after a single to right field made the score 6-0. Char Lorenz continued the hit parade with a single up the middle, setting up an RBI opportunity for Madison Pickens who doubled to right field to score Despines and Lorenz.

The Chippewas chipped into the Cardinals lead during the third and fourth inning, scoring five runs on five hits to bring the score to 8-5.

The Cards answered quickly in the bottom of the fourth as Lotus roped a single to right field to begin the inning. Chelsea Mack earned her way on after a bunt single down the third base line, setting up Lorenz with two runners on in the inning. Lorenz delivered once again with a double in the gap to score Lotus and Mack, giving her four RBIs in the game, upping her season total to 24 and extended the Louisville lead to 10-5.

After a quiet fifth inning from both teams, CMU scored four runs in the sixth after a grand slam by Carly Sleeman cleared the bases and cut the UofL lead to one to bring the score to 10-9.

The Cardinals responded immediately as Ally Alexander led off the inning with double to center field. Lotus continued her efficient day at the plate, scoring Alexander off an RBI single. Despines broke the game wide open as she blasted a triple down the line to score Mack who singled up the middle earlier in the inning.

The Cards were paced offensively by Lorenz and Despines, going a combined 6-for-8 at plate and seven RBIs on the day.

Sophomore Brooke Gray earned the win, improving to 4-3 on the season. Mackenzie Langan took the loss for Central Michigan, falling to 1-3 on the year.

Louisville will return to action to conclude the Cardinal Classic tomorrow afternoon against Northwestern, with first pitch slated for 1:30 p.m. and can be seen on ACCNX.