Cards Fall Short in Game Two Against No. 19/21 Duke, 5-1

Saturday, March 29

LOUISVILLE, KY

2:00 PM

University of Louisville

20-14, 0

Duke

24-12, 0

Duke

Louisville

Ally Alexander throws the ball to first base against Central Michigan at Ulmer Stadium on February 28.

Photo by: Chris Carter | Louisville Athletics

Cards Fall Short in Game Two Against No. 19/21 Duke, 5-1

March 29, 2025 | Softball

Box Score

Louisville drops to 20-14 (3-8 ACC) on the season

By: Mila Raque

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville softball team fell to No. 19/21 Duke (24-12, 6-5 ACC) with a final score of 5-1 on Saturday afternoon at Ulmer Stadium. The loss drops the Cards to 20-14 (3-8 ACC) on the season with Alyssa Zabala taking the loss in the circle (8-5).

Duke got to work quickly, claiming a 1-0 lead in the top of the first thanks to back-to-back doubles from Ana Gold and KK Mathis. Mathis advanced to third on a passed ball, but Louisville starer Zabala secured a pop-out to escape the inning with no further damage.

Following two quick half-innings, Ally Alexander knocked a two-out single against Duke's Dani Drogemuller (W, 10-5) to put the first runner on for the Cards, but she was ultimately stranded.

The Blue Devils continued their effort into the top of the third, taking advantage of a walk and hit by pitch to put two on. Gold followed up with a single up the middle to position Duke up 2-0. Louisville attempted a comeback in the bottom half of the frame with two consecutive singles from Madison Pickens and Easton Lotus, but the Cards were unable to capitalize.

With a solo homer from Jada Baker, Duke strengthened their lead at 3-0. A single by Malau'ulu brought Jennings home, racking the Blue Devils' advantage up to 4-0.

The Cards fought back in the bottom of the sixth with a lead-off double from Char Lorenz but were unable to get the job done. Duke scored once more in the top of the seventh, combining a walk, single, and ground-out.

With a first pitch double, Alexander mounted a scoring burst for the Cards in the bottom half of the final frame. Maddi Grant and Pickens then walked to load the bases, setting up Lotus to clinch the RBI and put Louisville on the board. Despite the late game effort, the Cards ultimately dropped game two against the Blue Devils with a final tally of 5-1.

Louisville will close out the conference series against Duke on Sunday, March 30 with a 12 p.m. (E.T.) start time at Ulmer Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ACCNX.