Erie, PA-Making up a recently postponed doubleheader with Cal U today, the Mercyhurst Softball team will have another quick turnaround beginning tomorrow as they travel to Slippery Rock University before hosting UPJ and IUP this coming weekend, April 19th and 20th. For a full look at the upcoming schedule please click here.
Laker Leaders
Going into today's doubleheader, five laker hitters post batting averages over .300. Standing on top of that list is Madison Fry-Fachet (.352) and Neena Pietropaolo (.344). Hitting .278 as a team, Mercyhurst has shown signs of breaking out, hitting for extra bases in each of their last 4 games as Bailey Cannon leads the team in homeruns with 6. Defensively, Mercyhurst ranks 5th in the PSAC in ERA (5.59). They'll look to use this to their advantage as they enter their remaining PSAC schedule.
Scouting Slippery Rock
One of many splits for the Lakers, Mercyhurst and the Rock have each claimed one game apiece so far this season. Posting a losing record overall, and within conference, Slippery Rock hits only .243 as a team. The Rock does feature strong defensive numbers however, as their top pitcher, Alexsa Hurd, posts a 2.45 ERA. Hurd is also closing in on 100 strikeouts in 80 innings pitched.
Scouting UPJ
Pitt-Johnstown has also experienced some struggles so far this year. With both teams splitting the first doubleheader, each team has showed signs of being able to put up runs. UPJ is led by Tori Radvan, who's hitting .406 from the plate. The Panthers also have a little pop in their bats, currently tallying 15 homeruns on the year. It is a doubleheader that both teams would love to sweep.
Scouting IUP
Taking two from the Lakers in their first meeting, IUP has risen as one of the top teams in the PSAC West. Sending 5 hitters to the plate who hit over .300, two IUP hitters hit over .400 (Paige Truax, Maddie Griffin). The Crimson Hawk pitchers also keep opposing hitters off balance. In over 80 innings pitched, Kendall Young posts a sub 3.00 ERA and is closing in on her 10th win.
Up Next
Mercyhurst will enter their final three regular season series' next week as they first challenge Edinboro University on Tuesday, April 23rd.
