Tucson, AZ – Mercyhurst Softball falls to Franklin Pierce in their season opener on day one of the D2 Cactus Classic. The Ravens defeat the Lakers by a score of 8-7 in their first matchup and follow that with another tight win in the second game, 5-4.

First Game

The Lakers traveled to Tucson, Az. to begin their season with six games in the warm Arizona sun. Mercyhurst started slow in their first game against Franklin Pierce as they struggled to get on base in the first three innings. Brianne Egelston and Cheyenne Hindman changed that in the fourth where they both put the Lakers on the scoreboard, as they hit well and managed to tie the score 2-2.

Egelston struck again in the fifth inning and she was joined by Madison Fry as the Lakers ended up taking a 4-2 lead. Franklin Pierce had a rebuttal as they scored four runs in the bottom of the frame to help them reclaim their advantage. Mercyhurst tried to pull off the comeback, scoring three runs in the seventh but were denied as the Ravens held on for the 8-7 win.

Second Game

The second game was similar, as Franklin Pierce took an early 4-0 lead throughout the four innings. The Lakers answered in the sixth as Fry, Egelston, Hindman, and Allison Dejidas rounded the bases and touched home plate to make it 4-4. Despite the comeback, Franklin Pierce scored again and eventually won the second game by a score of 5-4.

Highlights

Cheyenne Hindman led the way at the plate with three base hits. She had a pair of singles in game one and added a double to her line in game two while walking once in both contests. Madison Fry also had a trio of hits, all coming in the first affair while adding a base on balls to her ledger in game two. Anna O'Geen also had multiple hits on day one of the season as she had a pair of singles in game two.

What's Next

The Lakers return to the diamond tomorrow for a game against Simon Fraser at 10:00 a.m. and then follow that with a matchup with Georgian Court at 12:00 p.m.