CLEARWATER, Fla. – Notre Dame held off Bethune-Cookman by a score of 1-0 in a true pitcher's duel Sunday afternoon in the final game for both teams in the 2025 edition of the NFCA Leadoff Classic presented by MaxBP at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida.
 
A day removed from back-to-back walk-off contests, Bethune-Cookman (1-4) once again went head-to-head with a "Power 4" opponent, this time Notre Dame out of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Despite a strong complete-game performance from All-SWAC Preseason First Team selection Halyne Gonzalez, the Wildcats' offense was limited to just two hits against a trio of Fighting Irish pitchers.
 
The game's lone run came in the third inning when Notre Dame's Caitlyn Early led off with a single to third, only to advance a play later courtesy a bunt single from Emily Tran. Both runners moved into scoring position off the end of a sac bunt from third baseman Caroline O'Brien.
 
Ultimately, it would be Addison Amaral's sacrifice fly to right that plated Early to give the Fighting Irish (3-3) the 1-0 lead.
 
In true Head Coach Laura Watten fashion, Bethune-Cookman was aggressive on the base path throughout the contest, with centerfielder Joslynn Davis and catcher Thais Uyema each recording two stolen bases, while junior left fielder Emma Bradley-Tse added another.
 
However, the Wildcats struggled to convert those opportunities into runs, leaving seven runners on base during the game.
 
The best scoring opportunity for the Cats came in the first inning when Davis reached on an error and advanced to third base with one out. After shortstop Briana Velazquez walked and first baseman Aysiah Gonzalez was hit by a pitch from Notre Dame starter Micaela Kastor to load the bases, the Irish right-hander induced a groundout from hard-swinging freshman Molly Blackwood to end the threat.
 
Kastor (2-0) earned the win for the Irish with four strong innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five. Alexis Laudenslager followed with two scoreless frames, and closer Shannon Becker – one of the ACC's best in that position, secured her first save of the season with a clean seventh inning.
 
Gonzalez (1-3) went the distance in the pitcher's circle for the Maroon and Gold, scattering nine hits over six innings while striking out one and walking just one batter.
 
The Notre Dame offense was paced by Sydny Poeck's 2-for-2 showing at the plate, as well as a 1-0for-1 outing by substitutes Mickey Winchell and Olivia Levitt, respectively.
 
Bradley-Tse – a transfer from Salt Lake CC and native of Richmond, British Columbia – and third baseman Kendall Macauley recorded the only hits for the Wildcats, both singles. Uyema showed perseverance at the plate, reaching base twice via hit-by-pitch, while Davis worked two walks in her four plate appearances.
 
B-CU returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 12, as the Cats host in-state opponent North Florida for a nonconference doubleheader at Sunnyland Park beginning at 5 p.m.
 
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