The Mercyhurst University softball team won both games of its doubleheader today, March 17 at the Salem Invitational held in Salem, Va. Mercyhurst beat Wheeling Jesuit University 8-2 in the first game before upending Davis & Elkins College, 9-6.
 
In the opening game of the day, the Lakers took control scoring two runs in the top of the third inning, behind a Samantha Eimers home run.  The Lakers rallied in the fifth as five runs crossed the dish, expanding their lead to 7-0. 
 
Wheeling Jesuit responded in the bottom of the inning, scoring their only two runs of the contest. 
 
Freshman Annie Truelove received the win, pitching a complete game, striking out three while only allowing two earned runs. 
 
Against Davis & Elkins, Mercyhurst opened the scoring in the third inning, plating three runs.  The Senators managed to manufacture one run in the bottom of the third, bringing them within two runs of the Lakers.  The Lakers then ripped three hits in the fourth producing five runs extending their lead to 8-1.  Davis & Elkins again rallied to cut the deficit to 8-4 after the bottom of the fourth inning.
 
The Senators scored two more runs in the sixth but the Lakers offense proved to be to much as they tacked on a insurance run in the top of the seventh to win their second consecutive game of the day, 9-6.
 
Three Laker pitchers combined to beat the Senators.  Senior Kristi Janoske started the game and received the win after pitching four innings.  Junior Megan Hopton provided relief in the fourth inning while Cherise Gunnell pitched the fifth and sixth inning in the win. 
 
Mercyhurst is now 13-11 on the season heading into tomorrow's action. The Lakers will wrap up the Salem Invitational tomorrow, March 18 when they face Seton Hill at 11 a.m. in Salem, Va.