Erie, Pa.—As the Mercyhurst Softball team heads south to Florida to play 10 games in six days, here are five things to know about the team, their opponents and their performance during opening weekend last weekend.
The Staff
The trio of Mikaela Schramski, Morgan Hilty and Kaitlin Hoffner posted a 2.59 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over the first 27 innings of the season, helping the Lakers to a 3-1 start. Schramski and Hilty traded complete games, with the former going the distance on Saturday and the latter pitching all seven on Sunday. Hoffner finished off the other two games, earning her first save of the season Sunday. The three combined for 19 strikeouts while yielding just six walks, and opposing teams hit .214 against them.
Pitcher of the Week
Schramski in particular shined over the weekend, turning in a gem on Saturday against West Chester, allowing two runs in a complete-game win. She struck out six and walked two in the outing. On Sunday against Shepherd, she took a no-hitter into the fifth inning as she earned her second win of the weekend. She allowed three runs over 4.1 innings, striking out five and walking three.
By Land…
A number of players stood out at the plate last weekend, including Chloe McQuestion and Madison Fry. McQuestion went 7-for-12 at the plate with two doubles, a triple and a walk. She also stole a pair of bases. Fry went 9-for-16 at the plate with a double, sacrifice fly and stolen base. Both players drove in three RBI each.
…or by Air
A pair of Lakers played the long game, with Sarah Koscho leaving the yard once and doubling twice as she went 5-for-12 at the plate in four games. Cheyenne Hindman also had a home run and double with six RBI in four games.
The Opponents
Sunday, March 6
· 1:30 p.m. – The College of Saint Rose (0-2): Dropped a pair to East Stroudsburg on their opening weekend.
· 3:45 p.m. – St. Cloud State University (6-2): Went 3-1 over the weekend at the Washburn Invite. Sydney Trees and Trinity Junker were named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
Monday, March 7
· 9:00 a.m. – Cedarville University (1-2): Casey Bertke was named the latest G-MAC Softball Pitcher of the Week.
· 11:15 a.m. – West Virginia Wesleyan College (2-2): Was in Glenville last weekend, but did not play the Lakers. Went 2-2 against four PSAC opponents.
Tuesday, March 8
· 2:30 p.m. – Northwood University (4-2): Competed at the Kentucky Blue Bridge Classic last weekend to open their season, sweeping Friday and Sunday and dropping both games Saturday.
· 4:45 p.m. – Bemidji State University (3-6): Split their four games at the Minot State Bubble Invite Feb. 19-20.
Thursday, March 10
· 10:00 a.m. – Ashland University (2-1): Also competed at the Blue Bridge Classic, splitting their opening day before defeating Southern Indiana in their final game of the weekend.
· 12:15 p.m. – Bloomfield College (0-0): The Bears were picked to finish sixth in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. They will open their season this week in Florida.
Friday, March 11
· 10:00 a.m. – Stonehill College (0-0): Picked to finish 12th in the Northeast-10 Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. New Head Coach Ali Maloof will start her first campaign in Florida.
· 12:15 p.m. – College of Staten Island (0-0): Tracey Garofalo leads the Dolphins in their third year of Division II membership. They will open their season in Florida.
