Kutztown, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Softball team fell in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament to West Virginia Wesleyan 3-2.

How It Happened

The first four innings consisted of a pitcher's duel as neither team scored until the fifth inning.

In the top of the fifth, the Bobcats notched two doubles and took the 1-0 lead.

The Lakers responded in the bottom of the frame. Marisa Cartellone opened the inning with a walk and Jessica Clark pinch ran for her. She was bunted over to second and then Hannah Rozanski singled to put runners on the corners. Eliza Reynolds ripped one to third and the third basemen threw it away which allowed the tying run scored.

West Virginia Wesleyan scored again the top of the sixth to take the lead back.

Once again the Lakers responded in the bottom half of the frame on a SAC Fly by Sarah Koscho. Cheyenne Hindman scored on the play after she singled to open the inning.

In the top of the seventh, the Bobcats scored their third run on an error with one out in the frame.

The Lakers had runners on the corners in the bottom of the seventh but could not convert.

Mikaela Schramski started in the circle and went 5.2 innings while allowing two runs (one earned) while walking just two. Kaitlin Hoffner came in for the final inning and a third and gave up one run on one hit.

Up Next

The Lakers play for their season tomorrow at 12:30 against Fairmont State who fell to Kutztown in the early game.