Norfolk, VA- The Mercyhurst Softball team will begin their campaign on the road as they compete as a Division I team for the first time. They take on the likes of Norfolk State University and Saint Peter's University over the course of the weekend. 

A Look Back
Head Coach Leanne Baker returns for her twelfth season with the Mercyhurst Softball team. The Lakers finished last season with an 18-27 overall record and 14-18 in the PSAC.  Coach Baker and the team finished each of the two previous seasons with 30+ wins. A key player for this weekend's games will be Eliza Reynolds who returns for her fourth season. Reynolds led the team last season with 36 RBIs last season and 15 doubles. The shortstop from Union City, Pennsylvania also maintained a 95.2% fielding average. 

Scouting the Spartans
The Norfolk State University Spartans finished last season with a 4-43 overall record and 3-19 record in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. They have only fell below .500 recently, after posting a winning record several seasons in a row prior to 2024. The Spartans will hope to bounce back with newly appointed head coach Angie Nicholson. Sophomore Aniyah Michalak is a key player returning for the Spartans. The native of Virginia Beach, Virginia recorded a .349 slugging percentage, 20 hits, and a home run in her freshmen year.  

Scouting the Peacocks 
The Saint Peter's University Peacocks ended last season with an overall record of 16-34 and a 6-18 record in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Peacocks will look to prominent returning senior Jess Forte for offensive play at the plate. A season ago, Forte hit 10 home runs, 34 RBIs and boasts a 1.007 on base plus slugging percentage (OPS). 

First Pitch Dates, Times, and Where to Follow
Mercyhurst will play Saint Peter's University at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 15th. This is followed by a matchup against Norfolk State at 11:30 AM. The Lakers will then play a double header against Norfolk State on Sunday, February 16th at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Viewers can follow along to the team's social media pages and/or Norfolk State's stat link here. 
*All dates and times are subject to change due to weather projected to pass through the area.