Louisville Falls to Ball State in Day 1 of Cardinal Classic

Friday, March 6

LOUISVILLE, KY

1:30 PM

University of Louisville

15-5

Ball State University

9-6

Ball State

Louisville

Louisville Falls to Ball State in Day 1 of Cardinal Classic

March 06, 2026 | Softball

Box Score

Louisville will face Ball State again tomorrow morning before playing Illinois tomorrow afternoon.

By: Logan Ringstaff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team (15-5) fell, 7-5, in its first game of the Cardinal Classic against Ball State (9-6) at Ulmer Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Louisville's Alyssa Zabala moves to 4-1 after taking the loss in the circle against Ball State. Shortstop Taylor Monroe was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, driving in three runs on the day.

Ball State started off hot with four runs in the top of first inning.

An RBI single from Taylor Monroe made the score 4-1 at the end of the first. A solo home run in the top of the fourth extended the Ball State lead to 5-1. Ball State scored two more runs to give them a 7-1 advantage going into the bottom of the fifth.

A string of walks for Louisville and an RBI single from Monroe cut into the Ball State lead 7-2.

The Cardinals' offense came alive in the bottom of the sixth inning, starting off with a single from Chelsea Mack. Bri Despines scored Mack on a double to deep center field. An RBI single from Camryn Lookadoo scored Despines to bring the Cards back within three and a sacrifice fly from Monroe cut the Ball State lead to 7-5 going into the final inning.

Jayden Gohs had a scoreless final frame, striking out one batter, but the Louisville offense could not complete the comeback.

Louisville will return to action in the Cardinal Classic at Ulmer Stadium with a rematch against Ball State on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by a 3 p.m. contest with Illinois.