Erie, Pa. – Mercyhurst Softball dominates Clarion in their last regular season doubleheader at home. They win the first game by a score of 1-0 and follow that with another victory, 8-0. With 19-11 conference record, the Lakers strengthen their position at the second spot in the standings and clinch PSAC Tournament berth.
First Game
The squad returned to the Mercyhurst Softball Field in hopes of climbing up in the PSAC West standings and bringing winning momentum into the postseason. The first game of the day saw a lot of pitching and defense as both teams struggled to get on base early.
The only scoring play of the game happened in the fourth inning when Jessica Clark grounded out to the shortstop, bringing in Eliza Reynolds to make the score 1-0 in favor of Mercyhurst. The Golden Eagles worked hard, but the Lakers held to their lead for the remainder of the game.
Second Game
The Lakers turned things around in the second game as Allison Dejidas singled to right center and advanced to second, driving in Madison Fry, 1-0. Shortly after that, Reynolds doubled to right center, bringing in Dejidas and extending the lead to 2-0.
In the second inning, Marisa Cartellone hit a home run, scoring another run for Mercyhurst and bringing the score to 3-0. The game continued to be one-sided in favor of Mercyhurst, as Kacie Irwin tripled in the fourth, driving in Francesca Latino and increasing the lead to 4-0. Fry then doubled, bringing in Irwin, 5-0.
Mercyhurst's Dejidas was the standout performer of the inning, hitting a home run with the bases loaded and driving in 3 runs, to make the score 8-0. With such a commanding lead, Mercyhurst was able to cruise to a comfortable victory, thanks to their strong offensive performance and solid defense.
Playoff Picture
The Lakers are currently second in the PSAC West with a 19-11 conference mark, as they sit behind Seton Hill (20-8). Slippery Rock, Cal (Pa.), and Gannon are all tied for the third spot with a 17-11 conference record.
What's Next
Mercyhurst is set to take on Gannon on Saturday, April 29th, with the first game starting at 2:30 p.m.
