CANTON, Ohio -- The Mercyhurst softball team will visit Malone for a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday at 3 p.m., playing its first games since Mar. 11. The twinbill with Malone was originally scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 18, before it was postponed.

The Lakers (5-12) are led by outfielder Rachel DiBartolomeo, who has been a strong all-around performer thus far in 2017. She is hitting .322 with 11 extra-base hits, including four home runs. DiBartolomeo also has 15 RBI, 15 runs, seven stolen bases and a .712 slugging percentage.

Second baseman Emily Hair has Mercyhurst's top batting average of .379 while compiling one double and 11 RBI. Outfielder Ellie Dougher is hitting at a .354 clip with seven stolen bases and Jolene Teller, who has been MU's regular designated player, is batting .333 with two doubles and eight RBI.

Also for the Lakers, third baseman Cassandra Egelston has 11 stolen bases. Catcher Jamie Ward is batting .300.

In the pitcher's circle, Anna Cochis has been most effective for Mercyhurst. She is 1-5 with a 3.50 earned-run average in 46 innings of work. She has 23 strikeouts and six walks.

Clara Friend has been the top hitter for Malone (7-4) thus far. She is hitting .522 with two doubles and four RBI. Anna Myers and Maria Mokler are also batting .400.

The Pioneers, who have won 5 of 6, have received steady production from three pitchers: Isabella Roberts (4-2, 2.87), Allyson Gruen (1-1, 3.05) and Samantha Fruchey (2-1, 3.39).

Mercyhurst has won 3 of its last 4 contests.

The two programs have met only twice before; both times have resulted in a Mercyhurst win. The Lakers won the first-ever matchup between the programs in 1995 before taking a 10-1 decision in five innings just last season on Mar. 11, 2016.