Box Score - Game one
Box Score - Game two

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The Mercyhurst University softball team fell twice to Mount Olive College today in a non-conference doubleheader.  The Trojans won the first game 9-1 and took the second game, 12-9.

Mercyhurst falls to 2-4 on the season while Mount Olive improves to 4-0 on the year. 

The Trojans came out swing in the first game scoring three runs in the first inning.  Mercyhurst managed a run in the second inning but that would be all the scoring the Lakers did in game one.  Mount Olive's offense continued to produce runs scoring two runs in the third inning, one in the fifth, and three more in the sixth.  Errors hindered the Lakers in game one allowing three unearned runs cross the plate.

Sophomore Megan Smith moves to 1-1 on the season after suffering her first loss of the season.  Smith gave up four hits and three runs while in the pitching circle.  Freshman Annie Truelove came in for relief pitching 3 1/3 innings giving up eight hits and five runs.  Junior Megan Hopton came in for 2/3 of an inning allowing just two hits and one run.  Christie Wright of Mount Olive pitched all six innings allowing just one run and five hits. 

The Lakers scored nine runs in the second game but couldn't overcome a seven run fourth inning by the Trojans in the loss.

Mercyhurst started the second game by producing a run in the first inning.  Freshman Lauren Rossi reached on a fielders choice then used her speed to steal second base putting her in scoring position.  Rossi crossed the plate on an error by the Trojans third baseman.

The Trojans pushed two runs across the dish in the bottom of the first frame to take the lead over the Lakers, 2-1.  After two scoreless innings Mercyhurst added another run off an Emily Redig homerun to left field.  The homer knotted the game at 2-2.

The score wouldn't remain tied for long as Mount Olive came alive in the bottom of the fourth, scoring seven runs off of five hits. 

The Lakers brought the game within three runs in the fifth inning scoring four runs on five hits.  Samantha Eimers started the inning off with a single to third base.  Rossi followed her with a single into left field.  Both runners would advance into scoring position after an error by the defense.  With the bases loaded freshman Shaina Bunker grounded into a fielders choice scoring Eimers from third.  Redig ripped a single into left field to score the Lakers second run of the inning.  The very next batter, Andrea Sauers, drove in two runs with a single to left, before the Trojans were able to stop the scoring.

The Lakers shut the Mount Olive offense down in the fifth setting the stage for a comeback.  With two outs and two runners on, Bunker doubled to left field, driving in two runs.  Redig took a pitch the other way to right field to drive in the tying run from third.  The three runs scored tied the game 9-9 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Trojans mounted an offensive attack of their own and would send three runs across the dish to take a 12-9 lead.  Mount Olive was able to shutdown the Lakers offense in the seventh to win their fourth consecutive game of the season.

Senior Kristi Janoske gave up eight hits and nine runs in 3 2/3 innings pitched.  Freshman Cherise Gunnell suffered the loss after pitching 2 1/3 innings allowing four hits and three runs.  Lauren Smith threw all seven innings striking out 13 in the process.  Smith gave up nine runs on 14 hits.  The win marks her second of the season.

Mercyhurst now turns its attention to Shaw University.  The Lakers will travel to Raleigh, N.C. to compete in their final doubleheader in North Carolina.  The twin bill is slated to begin at 12 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12.