Cards Fall to Northwestern in Final Game of Cardinal Classic

Sunday, March 2

LOUISVILLE, KY

1:30 PM

University of Louisville

14-6

Northwestern

9-9

Northwestern

Louisville

Cards Fall to Northwestern in Final Game of Cardinal Classic

March 02, 2025 | Softball

Box Score

By: Nathan Larson

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team (14-5) ended the Cardinal Classic with a 3-1 record after dropping the final game against Northwestern on Sunday afternoon at Ulmer Stadium.

Scoreless first and second innings saw Louisville leave two runners on base, with Chelsea Mack and Char Lorenz picking up a stolen base each. Alyssa Zabala struck out four batters and only allowed one hit and one walk.

Zabala stayed strong in the top of the third, putting away three of four batters faced. The Cards left another runner on base in the bottom of the third, after Mack stole second again.

Louisville got out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the fourth as Zabala added two strikeouts, and Easton Lotus made the inning-ending play at first.

Northwestern opened the scoring in the top of the fifth inning with an RBI double by Kelsey Nader and a 2-run home run to left field by Kaylie Avvisato to give the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. UofL pitcher Sam Booe came in with no outs and runners on first and second. Catcher Emma Raye hit an RBI single which brought in Kansas Robinson to make it a 4-0 ballgame. A Louisville error scored Izzy Cunnea and gave Northwestern its 5-0 lead.

Wildcat pitcher Lauren Boyd struck out the side in the sixth and sent Louisville to the bottom of the inning.

In the final frame, Sam Booe went three up, three down to give UofL a chance in the bottom of the seventh. Lotus managed to get the Cards a run, grounding out to bring in Madison Pickens and make the final score 5-1.

Maddi Grant led the Cards in hits, going 2-3 with double in the bottom of the seventh. Lotus gave the Cards their lone run, going 1-4 on the afternoon.

Boyd pitched a complete game for Northwestern on 128 pitches, 11 Ks, five hits and two walks.

Louisville's Zabala took the loss, making her record 6-2 on the year. Zabala recorded six strikeouts on 103 total pitches. Booe held Northwestern to only one run through her three innings pitched, with five strikeouts against 12 batters.

Up next for the Cards is a series with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (10-10). First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Ulmer Stadium.