The University of Louisville softball team defeated North Carolina State University 5-1 on May 1 in the opening game of their series at Dail Softball Stadium.
This victory matters for Louisville as it strengthens their record to 42-10 overall and 17-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while NC State falls to 26-24 overall and 6-15 in conference play.
Alyssa Zabala pitched a complete game for Louisville, allowing only one run on four hits and striking out three batters. Bri Despines contributed with two hits, two runs batted in, including her eighth home run of the season, and drew a walk. Madison Pickens added two RBIs with a single that helped give Louisville an early lead. The Cardinals scored twice in the first inning and doubled their advantage with back-to-back bases-loaded walks in the second inning. NC State managed its only run with a solo home run during the bottom of the second inning.
Despines hit a home run to right field at the start of the fourth inning, extending Louisville’s lead. Zabala then retired seven straight batters over the final innings to secure her third complete game win this season for Louisville.
The teams will continue their series on Saturday, May 2, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. Eastern Time at Dail Stadium.