The Week in Notre Dame Athletics: Softball, Tennis Finishing Strong

Without further ado, we bring you the results of the last week's Irish match-ups.

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No. 8 men's lacrosse (6-5) fell to no. 5 Maryland this past Saturday, 12-8. Unfortunately, Paul Rigney was spot on in his prediction for this one.

This Friday, the Irish once again face Maryland in Chester, PA, in the ACC semifinals (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU). The ACC tournament continues on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET (ESPNU).

This past weekend, no. 9 women's lacrosse (8-6) suffered a pair of losses, first to no. 13 Ohio State, 12-9, then to no. 1 Syracuse, 18-10.

This Thursday, the Irish face Syracuse in Chestnut Hill in the ACC quarterfinals (3:00 p.m. ET, ACC Digital Network). If they advance, the Irish will compete in the semifinals on Friday (3:00 p.m. ET, RSN). Sunday, the final commences at 1:00 p.m. ET (RSN).

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Baseball (16-23) went 2-2 this past week, first besting Toledo, 4-3, then dropping a series opener to no. 11 Miami, 3-2, before topping the Hurricanes in Coral Gables, 7-4. Monday night, they fell in a close one to finish the series, 6-3, but Pat Connaughton was outstanding in his 7.2 innings pitched. The win over Miami was another step forward for the Irish, who have struggled against their new and talented ACC foes.

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No. 21/22 Irish softball (29-9, 9-4) went 4-0 this past week, besting Toledo in a dominating offensive performance, 17-2 in 5 innings, then sweeping Virginia, 8-0, 12-1, and 15-8. Notre Dame pitcher Laura Winter earned her 100^th win on Friday, becoming the first Irish pitcher to do so. That 100^th win was a perfect game for Winter and just the 3^rd in ND history.

This Tuesday, the Irish will face North Carolina State at home in a double-header (2:00 and 4:00 p.m. ET, WatchND). Thursday, Valparaiso visit Notre Dame (6:00 p.m. ET, WatchND). Sunday, they'll host Maryland in a double-header (1:00 and 3:00 p.m. ET, WatchND); the teams meet again on Monday (7:00 p.m. ET, ACC Monday/ESPNU).

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The men's tennis squad (18-8) routed Boston College over the weekend, 7-0, to finish the regular season.

Women's tennis (15-8) earned a 4-3 win over Syracuse this weekend to finish the season on a 7-match win streak.

Both Irish squads begin play in the ACC Championships this Wednesday in Cary, NC.

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Notre Dame's track & field made a strong showing at their first Outdoor ACC Championships this past weekend. The women placed 2^nd and the men, 3^rd overall. FSU claimed 1^st in both, but the Irish women were right at their heels throughout the tournament. Notre Dame earned top finishes in women's 100m hurdles, women's 4x400 relay, and men's 5000m (they earned 3^rd in the event, as well).

Up next for the Irish are the Drake Relays in Des Moines starting this Thursday and the Hillsdale Gina Relays starting Friday.

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No. 9 Irish rowing competed this past weekend at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, racing against no. 3 Ohio State and no. 10 Michigan. For full results, UND.com has you covered right here.

Next up for the Irish is the Dale England Cup in Bloomington, IN, this weekend.

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The men's golf team was idle this past week and is currently in the midst of the Oak Hill Intercollegiate in Rochester, NY.

The Irish begin play in the ACC Championships this Friday.

The no. 54 women's team tied no. 28 Miami for 5^th place at their first ACC Championship this past weekend. Talia Campbell topped the leader board for the Irish, finishing tied for 13^th overall in a field of 55 (+10 on 3 rounds).

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We'll bring you updates next week on Notre Dame's Olympic sports. For now, go Irish. Beat everybody.