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Irish Drop Midweek Contest To Valpo
Notre Dame softball falls to Valparaiso 3-2 in seven innings
Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:22am
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The Fighting Irish's midweek loss to Valparaiso showcases the parity and intensity of college softball, where any team can win on a given day.South Bend TodayThe University of Notre Dame softball team dropped a midweek matchup to Valparaiso, 3-2 in seven innings at Melissa Cook Stadium. Hayden Kyne hit a 2-run home run in the first inning, but Valpo scored twice in the third to take the lead and held on for the victory.
Why it matters
This loss drops Notre Dame's record to 20-15 on the season as they continue their quest to make the NCAA Tournament. Valparaiso, a mid-major program, was able to come into South Bend and defeat the Fighting Irish, showing the parity in college softball.
The details
Valpo struck first in the top of the first, loading the bases with no outs. But Notre Dame starter Micalea Kastor limited the damage to just one run. In the bottom half, Caroline O'Brien singled and stole second, setting up Hayden Kyne's 2-run homer to give the Irish a 2-1 lead. Valpo then scored twice in the third, capitalizing on a Notre Dame throwing error, to take a 3-2 advantage. That would be the final score, as Kami Kamzik pitched four scoreless innings of relief for the Irish.
- The game took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
- Hayden Kyne's home run came in the bottom of the first inning.
The players
Hayden Kyne
A Notre Dame freshman who hit a 2-run home run in the first inning, giving the Irish an early lead.
Kami Kamzik
A Notre Dame junior pitcher who tossed four scoreless innings of relief, keeping the Irish in the game.
Micalea Kastor
The Notre Dame starting pitcher who limited the damage in the first inning despite loading the bases with no outs.
Caroline O'Brien
A Notre Dame player who singled and stole a base to set up Kyne's home run in the first inning.
Sophia Leitzen
The Valparaiso player who threw out the potential tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning to preserve the Beacons' victory.
What they’re saying
“We had our chances, but just couldn't capitalize in the end. Credit to Valpo for making the plays when they needed to.”
— Deanna Gumpf, Notre Dame Head Coach
What’s next
Notre Dame will look to bounce back this weekend when they host a three-game series against ACC rival North Carolina.
The takeaway
This midweek loss to a mid-major opponent shows the parity in college softball and the challenges Notre Dame faces in their quest to make the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Irish will need to regroup quickly to get back on track in conference play.
