Indianapolis, IN- The Mercyhurst Softball team opens their season this weekend as they travel to Indianapolis, Indiana to play the University of Indianapolis in a four game series. On Saturday, February 10th, the Lakers play the Greyhounds at 12:00 PM before challenging them again at 2:00 PM. The Lakers will then play them two more times on Sunday before heading back to Erie, PA to prepare for their Spring trip in early March.  

Scouting the University of Indianapolis 

Indianapolis went 53-10 in 2023 and advanced all the way to the NCAA DII Midwest Super Regional where they eventually fell to Grand Valley State. Given last year's success, the Greyhounds were picked first in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason coaches' poll. Indianapolis returns five All-GLVC First Team performers from last year's team, including conference reigning GLVC Pitcher of the Year and three-time All-American Kenzee Smith. 

Laker Outlook 

Coming off a 34-21 season, the Lakers are set to take another step forward in 2024. As a team, the Lakers hit .341 from the plate, and kept opposing teams to just a .283 clip. With a few new faces, Mercyhurst will look to some key returners to help set the tone.  

Madison Fry-Fachet and Brianne Egelston are two key returners who will carry the load offensively. Madison Fry-Fachet spent most of last season hitting in the lead off spot and swung a hot bat, posting a .426 batting average to go along with a .459 on base percentage. The native of Gasport, N.Y also led the Lakers in hits with 85.  

The Lakers will also look to lean on Morgan Hilty and Mikaela Schramski, who have both proven to be effective from within the circle. The two pitchers combined to throw 269.3 innings last year and had a combined record of 28-15. The leader in innings, Morgan Hilty, held opposing hitters to just a .247 batting average and had a solid 3.12 ERA.  

This years team is ranked as the number one team in the West heading into the 2024 season, according to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Lakers finished 2023 with an overall record of 34-21, and a conference record of 21-11.

Up Next 

As the Lakers return home, they will quickly begin preparing for their Spring trip in early March. The Lakers will travel to Winter Haven, Florida to take on numerous opponents throughout the week of March 3rd.