CLARION, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University softball team split a pair of games Monday afternoon at Clarion. Behind a ten hit performance in game one, the Lakers (10-18, 4-9 PSAC) would put eight runs across the plate, to defeat the Golden Eagles, 8-3. Clarion (4-19, 3-14 PSAC) would take game two of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division contest, scoring four unanswered runs and split the day-series, winning, 4-1.
Three Lakers (
Alissa Petrosoniak,
Courtney Brothers and
Kayla Larson) recorded multi-hit performances in game one, while they each scored and drove in a run. Brothers had a day, hitting 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI double. Larson would also record an extra-base hit in the third with an RBI double to center field.
After a Petrosoniak single to center field in the top of the first, Brothers would allow her to score as she reached on error. The run was unearned but put Mercyhurst ahead, 1-0.
Mercyhurst would add to their lead in the third. With two outs, Brothers ripped a triple to right field, while Larson brought her home with a double to center field.
The Golden Eagles would respond quickly in the bottom half of the inning, when Christina Tressler hit a three-run homerun to right field, giving them a 3-2 lead heading into the fourth.
The Lakers would do their damage in the sixth, scoring six runs on four hits, to regain the lead, 8-3. With the bases loaded and no outs,
Francesca Costanzo put the ball in play and reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Tawney Godin and Larson to score. While runners were on second and third,
Cassandra Egelston grounded out to short-stop, scoring
Taylor Jezuit and advancing Egelston to third.
Becky Malaga would, then, drive in two runs with two outs as she put a single to right center field. With
Melissa Woods pinch running for Malaga, Brothers roped a double to left field, allowing Woods to score for an 8-3 advantage.
Alexandra Puckly came in to relieve starting pitcher
Annie Truelove in the fifth inning. Puckly only allowed two hits in three innings and no runs. She received the win, moving her record to 5-7 overall. Shawanna Crago (0-10) was the losing pitcher.
Game two would start off nicely for Mercyhurst as Petrosoniak hit a solo homerun with one out in the top of the first inning. It was her first collegiate homerun of her career.
However, Clarion would score four unanswered runs the rest of the way, to hold on for a 4-1 victory. The Golden Eagles tied the game in the bottom of the second on an RBI single; and then, took the lead the following inning on an RBI single to left field. They would add two more insurance runs in the sixth before retiring the Lakers scoreless in the top of seventh.
Paige Baker received the win, moving her record to 3-4, while Puckly (5-7) received the loss.
Clarion outhit the Lakers in game two, 9-5.
With the split, Mercyhurst moves to 10-18 overall and 4-9 in PSAC play. Clarion is now 4-19, 3-14 PSAC.
Mercyhurst will be back in action Wednesday, April 15, at home against Edinboro. First pitch is slated for 2:30 p.m.
