The Notre Dame softball team earned a solid 9-5 victory over Liberty on Thursday, thanks to a powerful offensive showing and a complete-game effort from pitcher Rachel Fisher.

The scoring started early with Riley Palank blasting a home run to left field in the bottom of the first to put the Crusaders on the board. Notre Dame added two more in the fifth, sparked by Natalie Lilly’s solo shot to center.

Notre Dame broke the game open in the sixth inning with four more runs. Addison Ryan crushed a two-run homer to center, and Emily Szczepanski delivered a clutch double, plating two more.

Rachel Fisher earned the win, tossing seven innings while giving up 12 hits and five runs, striking out one and walking none.

The Crusaders racked up 11 hits in total. Addison Ryan, Natalie Lilly, and Riley Palank each collected two hits, with Ryan leading the team with three RBIs and a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.

Hannah Lilly also turned a double play defensively to back up Fisher's strong outing.

The Crusaders improve their record to 9-4 and will look to keep the momentum going when they host Bethlehem Catholic on Tuesday.