Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

SALEM, Va. – Homeruns by senior's Megan Smith and Kayleigh Milliman propelled the Mercyhurst Softball team to two wins Saturday afternoon. The Lakers won their fourth straight contest and improved to 4-8 on the season.

In game one, the Lakers fought to the end in a 7-6 victory over Wheeling Jesuit in the opening game at the Salem International tournament. The Lakers led 2-0 heading into the top of the fourth inning and are now 2-0 when crossing the dish first.

Megan Smith put herself on base in the top of the first and third innings to score both runs for Mercyhurst. Freshman Rachel DiBartolomeo drove in her only RBI of the game in the first inning to give Mercyhurst an early lead. Then Smith drove her second homerun of the season at the leadoff position in the third.

Wheeling Jesuit put themselves on the board at the top of the fourth inning but Mercyhurst answered back with a run of their own at the bottom of the frame by freshman Khyshwaunna Nance who pinch ran for senior Courtney Smith.

The Lakers scored at least one run in the final three innings including Milliman's homerun at the bottom of the sixth. The game-winning run at the bottom of the seventh gave Mercyhurst the 7-6 edge after a four run rally by Wheeling Jesuit at the top of the frame. Sophomore Taylor Jesuit forced an error by the Wheeling Jesuit defense to put herself on base with the Lakers top hitters up to the plate.

DiBartolomeo forced another error by the Cardinal offense to advance Jesuit around the bases. Senior Becky Malaga went two for four at the plate for the Lakers including a single which drove in Jesuit for the win.

Junior Annie Truelove was awarded the win at the mound for the Lakers and improved to 2-5 on the season. She allowed 13 hits but marked a season-high four strikeouts.

The Lakers swept the day after taking a 9-1 win from Bowie State after recording three runs at the top of the seventh. The Lakers recorded a season-high 15 hits in a contest and matched season-high in runs (9). All told the Lakers scored 16 runs to their opponents 7.

The Lakers face Franklin Pierce and the University of Virginia's College at Wise in the final day of the Salem International Tournament. The doubleheader is set for 9:00 a.m.