FLORENCE, SC – The Mercyhurst University softball team split a twinbill against Francis Marion University Tuesday afternoon. The Patriots took game one 12-0 in five innings, while the Lakers came back to steal game two, 4-1.

Game One | Mercyhurst 0 – Francis Marion 12 (Five Innings)

It was a tough outing for the Lakers in game one, as there were limited to just two hits in five innings of play.

The Patriots scored three runs on five hits in the first inning off starting pitcher Heather Nye (2-2).

Francis Marion would add on two more in the second, when Chelsea Welty hit a two-run double right center field, before being thrown out by Ellie Dougher trying to advance to third.

In the third is when the Patriots did their damage, posting seven runs on seven hits off of relief pitcher Carly Konopka.

Anna Cochis came in to pitch the fourth inning, allowing only no runs and only hit.

Cassandra Egelston and Courtney Brothers were credited with the two Laker hits.

Samantha Wroblewski (12-2) received the win for Francis Marion.

Game Two | Mercyhurst 4 - Francis Marion 1

 It was a strong third inning in game two that led the Lakers to their seventh win of the season.

Rachel DiBartolomeo got Mercyhurst on the board first, when she double to right center field, driving in Taylor Jezuit and Francesca Costanzo.

After a fielding error by the Patriot's first basemen, Brothers reached safely to first base, allowing Egelston to come home and score.

Allison Yule's sacrifice fly to right field scored DiBartolomeo, ending Mercyhurst's big inning.

That was all Cochis needed, as she pitched a complete game, allowing one run on 11 hits and struck out two. She earned her third win of the season.

DiBartolomeo, Brothers, and Julia Lang each recorded two hits in four plate appearances.

Mercyhurst will travel back home off a 3-1 road trip in South Carolina. The Lakers will hold their home opener Friday, March 25, for a doubleheader against crosstown rival
Gannon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.