Cards Set to Open Conference Play Against Notre Dame

Friday, March 7

LOUISVILLE, KY

6:00 PM

University of Louisville

Notre Dame

The Cards huddle before the game against Central Michigan at Ulmer Stadium on February 28.

Photo by: Chris Carter | Louisville Athletics

March 06, 2025 | Softball

2025 SB Notes - Notre Dame

Louisville will play Notre Dame in both team's ACC Openers

By: Gracie White

LOUISVILLE, Ky - The 14-6 University of Louisville softball team is set to open ACC play, hosting Notre Dame for a weekend series at Ulmer Stadium on March 7-9.

The Cardinals just competed in their home tournament, the Cardinal Classic, over the weekend, going 3-1 overall. In the tournament, UofL faced off against Central Michigan, Longwood, and Northwestern, with their only loss coming against Northwestern.

The Cards have been able to tally up some key victories this season with wins coming against No. 25 FAU, Michigan and Wisconsin. Heading into this weekend, Louisville Softball is 5-4 all-time in ACC opening games and has a 4-4 record all-time in ACC opening series.The Cardinals ended their 2024 season going 8-16 in the ACC.

QUICK HITS

Louisville enters the game with an 14-6 record after a going 3-1 in the Cardinal Classic.
Before the Cardinal Classic game, Louisville played Bellarmine at home, where they shut out the Knights, 10-0.
Louisville logs a .337 batting average, with a total of 176 hits from 522 at-bats.
Sophomore Ava Venturelli leads the Cards with a .476 batting average.
Redshirts Easton Lotus and Char Lorenz lead Louisville in stolen bases with nine and 11 apiece respectively, while Easton Lotus is a perfect 9-9 on attempts.
Lotus also leads the Cards in hits with 29, while boasting a .403 batting average.
Louisville is led by junior pitcher Alyssa Zabala, with a 2.03 ERA and a 6-2 record through 51.2 innings pitched

SCOUTING THE IRISH

Series History: Notre Dame leads 28-18

Last Meeting: April 8, 2023 – Louisville beat Notre Dame 6-2 in Louisville, Ky.

Last Weekend Series: April 6-8, 2023 – Notre Dame won the series 2-1 in Louisville, Ky.

Notre Dame's lineup is spearheaded by sophomore infielder Addison Amaral. Amaral, a member of last year's Second Team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman Team continues the excellent start to her career as she leads the team with 20 hits, three home runs, 19 RBIs and 32 total-bases.
The Fighting Irish pitching staff is led by junior Micaela Kastor. Kastor has a 6-1 record and has made nine starts, compiling a team leading 49 strikeouts in 45.1 innings pitched.
The Fighting Irish enter their first season under new head coach Kris Ganeff. She had spent the last 23 years in the Irish dugout in an assistant role and now has taken over the reins to the lead program. Ganeff a 1999 graduate of Notre Dame, earned All-Big East honors as a catcher in her playing career for the Fighting Irish.

SERIES INFORMATION
Notre Dame at Louisville
Dates: March 7-9
Location: Louisville, Ky.
Venue: Don Dobina Field at Ulmer Stadium
Admission: Free
Gates Open: One (1) hour prior to first pitch
Clear Bag Policy: A Clear Bag Policy remains in place at all UofL athletics facilities. Fans may bring one clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag, or a 12 x 6 x 12 inches clear tote bag.
Parking: Fans are encouraged to park in the Floyd Street Parking Garage for a $5 fee.
X Updates: @LouisvilleSB