Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

SALEM, Va. – The Mercyhurst University softball team completes a weekend sweep at the Salem International Tournament after taking wins against Franklin Pierce and The University of Virginia at Wise on Sunday morning.

The Lakers took away a 5-2 victory against Franklin Pierce in game one after scoring three runs in the fifth inning. The Lakers then finished the weekend with a thrilling 1-0 win over the Cavaliers from a RBI in the first inning from freshman Rachel DiBartolomeo.

The Lakers trailed early after suffering two errors for an unearned run in the first inning against Franklin Pierce. The defense of both teams then built a strong foundation until the fourth inning where Mercyhurst crossed the dish to even the score at one.

The Lakers took the lead at the bottom of the fifth after two errors from the Franklin Pierce defense and back to back hits from senior Becky Malaga and Courtney Smith. Sophomore Taylor Jesuit, Malaga and freshman Khyshwaunna Nance all crossed the dish to gain the 4-1 lead.

The extended the lead to 5-1 after senior Megan Smith hit her second of the game on a double to the center field fence. After connections by both Jesuit and DiBartolomeo, Smith crossed the dish. DiBartolomeo was awarded the RBI.

Franklin Pierce attempted a last minute rally led by Caputo who hit a homerun to narrow the Lakers lead 5-2. However a strong pitching performance by junior Annie Truelove prevented Franklin Pierce from generating any more offense. Truelove struck out three in the victory as she improved to 3-5 on the season.

In game two, there was a lot of defense and not much offense between both teams as the lone run was scored in the first inning. The Lakers crossed the dish early and held off Virginia at Wise to improve to 6-8 on the season.

Senior Megan Smith tallied her only hit of the game in the leadoff position for the Lakers to contribute to the 1-0 advantage. With one out and Smith on second, DiBartolomeo drove a line drive to the left-center fence to advance Smith to home. DiBartolomeo leads the team this season with eight RBIs.

Pitcher Alexandra Puckly continued her strong presence on the mound for the Lakers as she improved to 3-1 on the season. Puckly pitched the seven complete innings, didn't allow a walk and struck out seven.

On the weekend, the Lakers swept their opponents to extend their winning streak to six games after losing their first eight of the season. Mercyhurst outscored their opponents 22 to 9 in the four win in Salem, Va. This was the first season that the Lakers recorded a perfect record at the Salem International Tournament.

The Lakers travel to Wheeling Jesuit on March 18 in Wheeling, West Virginia. The double header is set for 3:00 p.m.