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Clermont, Fla. - Notre Dame College scored six unanswered runs to break a 3-all tie and went on to hand the Lewis University softball team the 9-6 regional defeat on Monday (Feb. 29) afternoon in The Spring Games.

The big blow came in the sixth inning, as Notre Dame touched Lewis for five runs, highlighted by a two-run triple by designated hitter Perris Stevens (3-for-4, 2 RBI). The Falcons also received three RBI apiece from left fielder Brittany Kirwin (2-for-3, run) and third baseman Lydia Sanner.

"I was disappointed that we did not bring the same intensity to the game that Notre Dame did," Lewis head softball coach Becky Pearl said. "Hopefully we can learn from this and come in ready to play tomorrow."

With the victory, Notre Dame College improves to 2-3 overall, while the Flyers are now 3-4 on the campaign.

Despite the loss, Lewis rapped out a season-high 13 hits, including six doubles. Sophomore left fielder Jenna Cairo (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) and junior shortstop Carly Jaworski (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) both went 3-for-4 with a RBI, while freshman third baseman Jessica Lofthouse (Oswego, Ill./Oswego) went 2-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored. Senior second baseman Frankie Castagna (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle) roped a two-run double in the top of the seventh inning.

Lewis reliever Lainie Schweickert (Peru, Ill./St. Bede Academy) took the loss for the Flyers, allowing two runs and two hits, including four walks, in 2.1 innings of work. Notre Dame starting pitcher Ashley Pokraka (1-2) scattered six runs and 13 hits to earn the complete-game win.

Lewis opens with a 9 AM ET showdown against Gannon and completes the afternoon with a 1 PM ET first pitch against Kentucky Wesleyan.