Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

CLARION, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University softball team picked up its first shutout in a sweep over Clarion University on Tuesday afternoon.  Sophomore Shaina Bunker tallied two homeruns to contribute to the 5-0 and 5-1 victories.  With the wins, the Lakers improve to 15-21 overall. 
 
In game one, senior Megan Hopton picked up her second career shutout by allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out three.  Hopton improves to 9-10 in the season. 
 
Mercyhurst scored early and scored often to capture the win in game one.  In the top of the first, Mercyhurst loaded the bases with two hits and a walk.  Junior Kayleigh Milliman's grounder was mishandled by the Clarion first baseman and two runs scored.
 
In the bottom of the second, Mercyhurst scored again on another Clarion error.  Freshman Taylor Jezuit led off with a single to left field. After a sacrifice, an infield error by the third baseman allowed Jezuit to score. 
 
Clarion changed pitchers in the top of the fifth but Bunker hit her first homerun of the day, a blast to center field, to give the Lakers a 4-0 lead. 
 
Mercyhurst scored its final run of the contest in the sixth inning to complete the 5-0 win.  Jezuit again notched a leadoff single and stole her first base of the season. Freshman Allison Yule drove her home.
 
In game two, sophomore Annie Truelove picked up her fifth win of the season, improving to 5-5 overall.  Truelove gave up two hits, one run and struck out five.

Mercyhurst once again tallied two runs in the first.  Freshman Allison Yule led off with a single and stole her fourth base of the season.  McNamara laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to third to advance Yule and Bunker followed with her second homerun of the day. 
 
Clarion's defense then held the Lakers scoreless until the top of the fifth.  Yule singled to center to lead off the inning.  She later scored on sophomore Courtney Smith's 12th double of the season.  
 
In the top of the sixth, Mercyhurst widened the lead by two more runs with the same connection of Jezuit and Yule.  With one out,  Jezuit doubled for the seventh time this season to drive in senior Kristen Fyffe who had reached on a walk.  Yule doubled in the final run before Clarion got out of the inning.
 
Clarion scored its only run of the doubleheader on two hits in its final at bat..
 
The Lakers will return to conference action tomorrow, April 17, at Edinboro University.  The double-header is set for 2:30 p.m.