Tegan Livesay throws no-hitter as UND beats NDSU to set single-season win record

Apr. 26—GRAND FORKS — After UND's 2-0 win over NDSU Sunday afternoon at Albrecht Field, Tegan Livesay was quick to remind her dad that he owed her headphones.

The pair had a bet going: if the Fighting Hawks junior pitcher managed to throw a no-hitter, he would buy her a pair.

Livesay exited the pitching circle in the seventh inning after forcing the final out and crouched down in shock. She was promptly swarmed by cheering teammates.

Seven innings, five strikeouts, six walks and no hits: Livesay had won the bet with her dad. But more importantly, she had her first collegiate no-hitter.

"It just took my breath away," Livesay said. "Honestly, I've wanted one for so long. ... It was just breathtaking, just amazing to do it on such a special day, Senior Day, and just with a special group of people. ... We'll see if (my dad) pays up."

The field was awash with emotion during and after the Senior Day ceremonies following the game.

UND wasn't just celebrating its six seniors and a series-clinching win over its in-state rival.

Sunday also marked the program's 27th victory this season, setting a new single-season win record for the program.

"These (seniors), No. 1, stuck with it," UND head coach Jordan Stevens said. "Outside of Taya (Hopfauf), they didn't get a lot of playing time early. It wasn't a very successful season in their first year. And to see them just get through it and get to a point in which they've just set the single-season record for wins means a ton.

"They helped us take another step in this program. I think some classes before them laid a great foundation, and these kids just raised the bar for our program. Just really proud of the way that they just stuck through it, stuck through some low times, and now they'll forever be in the record book as the best team."

Senior catcher Taya Hopfauf, who owns the program record for most games played (203), had a hit, a run and a stolen base in her last game at Albrecht Field.

"Senior Night is always an emotional night of the year," Hopfauf said. "But knowing that it was against NDSU, and it was our last time here at Albrecht Field with this team — it's a once-in-a-lifetime night to be able to celebrate it with these girls. And to get the win over NDSU, that's just the cherry on top."

The celebrations didn't stop there. Shortly after the Senior Day festivities concluded, outfielder Brooklyn Morris and Hopfauf were asked to step into the pitcher's circle.

It was announced that the two seniors will be inaugural inductees into the North Dakota Softball All-Stars Hall of Fame at the Scheels Softball All-Star series in Bismarck on June 2.

Hopfauf is a native of Dickinson, N.D., and Morris is from Bismarck.

"I didn't know (I was being inducted)," Hopfauf said. "It's special to be from North Dakota and to stand for something more than just UND softball, but softball in North Dakota as a whole. ... I never imagined it would be a thing, and it's pretty special to be a part of."