Softball Game Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish

Notre Dame is on a three-game streak of home losses, and Knoxville Catholic a six-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Tuesday. Notre Dame will be playing in front of their home fans against Knoxville Catholic at 5:30 p.m. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Notre Dame came up short against Chattanooga Central on Monday, falling 14-3.

Courtney Hughes made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one double. That home run was her first of the season. Dalana Brown was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-3.

Meanwhile, Knoxville Catholic lost 17-2 to Girls Prep on Thursday.

Knoxville Catholic saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Hadley Troutt, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one RBI.

Knoxville Catholic's loss dropped their record down to 9-8. As for Notre Dame, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-9.

Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Notre Dame hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. However, it's not like Knoxville Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .352. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Notre Dame suffered a grim 22-3 defeat to Knoxville Catholic in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Notre Dame avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.