SALEM, Va. - The Mercyhurst University softball team dropped its final game of the Salem Invitational to Seton Hill University today, March 18. The Lakers were outscored 6-3 in the loss.

The Griffins jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after plating two runs in the top of the first and one in the second inning.  Mercyhurst added its own offense in the bottom of the second when sophomore Megan Smith hit a two-run homer, knocking in senior Jen Bower who singled earlier in the inning.  Smith's home run brought the Lakers within one run of the Griffins. 

After three scoreless innings the Lakers knotted the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Freshman Shaina Bunker singled up the middle putting the tying run on first.  Junior Amanda Walker was called in to pinch run for Bunker.  Walker successfully stole second placing herself in scoring position.  After a Bower fly out and a Smith walk, junior Kristen Fyffe made her way to the plate.  Fyffe drove the ball up the middle and into the outfield, scoring Walker from second.  The run tied the game and put the Lakers in position for a late game comeback.

Seton Hill didn't back down as they put together back-to-back singles in the final frame, setting the stage for Brandi Piccolino.  Piccolino turned on a pitch driving it over the left center field fence putting the Griffins back on top, 6-3.

Mercyhurst was unable to rally as Seton Hill's Christine Henderson sat them down in order.  Henderson received the win pitching an eight hit complete game.  In the process she struck out four and walked just one batter.  Freshman Annie Truelove made the start, pitching 5 2/3 innings.  Truelove gave up eight hits and three runs while striking out four.  Junior Megan Hopton was credited the loss in her 1 1/3 innings of work.  Hopton gave up three runs and four hits.

The loss drops the Lakers to 13-12 on the season while the Griffins move to 3-12 on the year.

Mercyhurst gets set to open up conference action this Friday, March 23 against Edinboro University.  The twinbill is scheduled for a 2:30 start at the Boro.