Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Clarion, PA- In what was a crucial doubleheader this afternoon, the Mercyhurst Softball team took on the Golden Eagles of Clarion University. Fighting for a spot in the PSAC playoffs, the Lakers took care of business in game one, outscoring Clarion 11-0. In game two, Mercyhurst fell short in a back-and-forth game, 9-8.  

How it Happened 

Game One 

Mercyhurst jumped on the board early, taking advantage of three Clarion errors in the first inning to grab a 1-0 lead. Mercyhurst added to their lead in the 3rd, plating 5 more runs on 5 hits which featured a Francesca Latino triple.  

The Lakers piled it on in the 4th, doubling their lead to make the score 10-0. Three singles in a row were followed by a Bailey Cannon triple. Cannon then came around to score on a pass ball in the inning. Mercyhurst added one more in the 5th to extend the lead to 11 as they left no doubt in the 5-inning victory.  

Alexa North dominated Clarion hitters in game one, allowing only 3 hits. Madison Fry-Fachet and Kacie Irwin each had three hits in the win. Bailey Cannon collected 4 RBIs in the victory.  

Game Two 

The Lakers picked up right where they left off in game one, scoring 2 quick runs in the first inning on three singles. Kacie Irwin and Eliza Reynolds singled to start the inning and Brianne Egelston drove them in with a single up the middle.  

Clarion refused to go away in game two, surging back in the 3rd with three runs of their own to take a one run lead. The Lakers didn't waste any time answering back, as Francesca Latino tip toed around the catcher to tie the game off a fielders choice, 3-3. Kacie Irwin once again came through in the clutch to help the Lakers regain the lead with a 2RBI single to right field, her 5th hit of the day.  

Clarion once again found their way back in the lead, scoring 3 more in the 4th. Brianne Egelston then helped the Lakers tie the game in the 5th inning, driving in Bailey Cannon who tripled to lead off the frame. The back-and-forth affair continued into the bottom of the 5th as Clarion regained the lead once again, 8-6. Another tie resulted after the 6th, as Eliza Reynolds hit a bases clearing triple.  

Clarion regained a one run lead heading into the 7th and despite putting a runner on in the 7th, the Lakers couldn't cash in, and fell short, 9-8.  

Kacie Irwin recorded 3 more hits in game two, making her 6-8 from the plate on the day. Brianne Egelston tallied 3 RBIs in the loss. Eliza Reynolds and Bailey Cannon each tripled.  

Up Next 

The Lakers will close out the regular season tomorrow afternoon as they host Gannon University for a doubleheader slated for 3:00 PM. The Lakers are currently battling IUP for the 5th and last seed of the PSAC playoffs. Mercyhurst was 1 game up on the Crimson Hawks going into the weekend. IUP will challenge last place, UPJ, and first place, Seton Hill to finish the season. For a full look at the standings, click here.