ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University softball team traveled to California (Pa.) for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) doubleheader Thursday afternoon. The Lakers (6-12, 0-3 PSAC) fell to the 22nd-ranked Vulcans (14-5, 8-1 PSAC) in game one, 10-2, while game two was suspended in the bottom of the third inning due to rain. California (Pa.) was leading 2-0 when play was postponed.

Game One:

The bats were alive in the top of the first for the Lakers, as Allison Yule led off the game with a double to left center field. After Courtney Brothers advanced Yule to third, Rachel DiBartolomeo singled through the right side for her eighth run batted in (rbi) this season. DiBartolomeo proceeded to steal second and advance to third on a Becky Malaga single. Alexandra Puckly would bring DiBartolomeo in to score with a single up the middle to take an early 2-0 lead.

The Vulcans would answer with an unearned run off starting pitcher Puckly in the bottom half of the first to cut the lead in half, 2-1.

California (Pa.) would add to their lead in the fourth, scoring five runs on four hits. Center fielder Shelby Heyd homered to right center to lead off the inning.

Four more runs in the bottom of the fifth put the Vulcans up eight, 10-2, to put the eight run rule into effect.

Puckly received the loss, as she falls to 3-5 overall. Vulcans starter Alex Sagl improves to 7-2 overall with the win.

Game Two:

With the Lakers held scoreless in the top of the first, the Vulcans generated two runs on two hits to take an early 2-0 lead at the end of the first.

Rain would cause game two play to be suspended in the bottom of the third. There has been no announcement of when the game will resume play.

Mercyhurst is scheduled to travel to Seton Hill (15-6-1, 7-4-1 PSAC) tomorrow for another PSAC Western Division doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 2:30 p.m.