Erie, PA- After concluding an early trip to Indianapolis, the Mercyhurst Softball team now heads to Florida for an eight-game set. Mercyhurst will begin on Sunday, March 3rd as they take on Dominican University of New York and Winona State University. The Lakers will remain in Florida through the week and challenge the College of St. Rose, the University of Mary, Bemidji State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, Ashland University, and Upper Iowa University. Games will conclude on Thursday, March 7th.
Mercyhurst opens the week with Dominican University of NY, who has yet to play a game this year. Coming off an 11-35 season, the Chargers will likely have their hands full with the Lakers who come in with 4 games under their belt.
The Lakers will be tested in game number two, squaring off against a Winona squad who has had a hot start to the 2024 season. The Warriors went 38-16 a year ago and have a lot of momentum heading into Florida.
St. Rose and the University of Mary are the next two Laker opponents, both of which are coming off losing seasons in 2023. St. Rose will open their 2024 season with the Lakers, while the University of Mary tries to build momentum as they gear up for the bulk of their season.
Mercyhurst will close out the week with Bemidji, Southwest Minnesota, Ashland, and Upper Iowa. Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota are coming off solid seasons in 2023 and both have notched multiple wins already this season. Ashland and Upper Iowa are also no strangers to success, as each field solid team's year in and year out.
For a full look at the Florida Schedule, along with the times of each game, please visit here.
Laker Outlook
Despite dropping their first three matchups to nationally ranked Indianapolis, the Lakers left their opening series with a crucial win to regain momentum heading into their Florida trip. Madison Fry-Fachet led the way offensively, going 4 for 12 through the first 4 games. Fry-Fachet added two doubles to her line to start the year, while Marisa Cartellone added a home run to spark a Mercyhurst win in game 4 of the series.
Alexa North paced the Lakers from within the circle, throwing 10.0 complete innings while striking out 8 and earning a win.
Up Next
Once the Lakers return home from their Florida trip, they will have a week off before heading to Notre Dame college on Wednesday, March 13th. The doubleheader is slated for 3:00 PM.
