CLINTON, S.C. - The Mercyhurst softball team opened the season in South Carolina competing in the Scotsman Invitational. In game one, they were behind against Albany and ended up falling, 6-0. In game two, the Lakers were off to a hot start against Presbyterian. They led 6-3 after the first three innings and hit three home runs throughout the game. However, the Blue Hose got their bats going and completed the comeback, 10-7.
Mercyhurst faced Albany in the first game with
Alexa North the starting pitcher. Albany took an initial lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a fielding error that allowed the Great Danes to score an unearned run. The Lakers defense held UAlbany scoreless in the third inning, despite a single and two stolen bases, maintaining the score at 2-0 after three innings. In the fourth inning, Albany extended its lead with an RBI double. This brought the score to 3-0. The Lakers managed to get runners on base in the fifth inning, but were unable to capitalize, leaving the score unchanged.
The Great Danes widened the gap in the sixth inning with a three-run surge, highlighted by a two-RBI double pushing the lead to 6-0. The Lakers had a chance to respond in the bottom half, with
Gabriella DeLuca reaching third base on a wild pitch, but they were unable to score. The game concluded with a scoreless seventh inning, finalizing Albany's win at 6-0.
Mercyhurst faced tournament hosts Presbyterian in the second game. The Lakers opened the game with a strong offensive performance in the first inning. DeLuca's two-run homer to left field, following a walk by
Alexandra Acosta-Reyes, gave the team an early advantage. After the first inning, the Lakers led the Blue Hose, 2-0. In the second inning, the Lakers extended its lead with two more runs.
Neena Pietropaolo's sacrifice fly brought
Braylynn Kelly home, and an RBI single by Acosta-Reyes allowed
Brynna King to score. The Lakers maintained their lead at 4-1 after two innings.
The Lakers continued its scoring momentum in the third inning.
Emelie Pascual hit a two-run homer to center field, driving in
Bailey Cannon. This brought the score to 6-3 after three innings. In the fifth inning,
Avarie Mays added to the Lakers' tally with a solo home run to left-center field, increasing their lead to 7-4.
However, the Blue Hose were relentless and made a strong comeback in the bottom of the inning, scoring five runs to take the lead. The Lakers trailed Presbyterian 9-7 after the fifth inning. Presbyterian added another run in the sixth inning, and the Lakers were unable to respond in the final two innings. The game concluded with the Great Danes securing a 10-7 comeback victory.
Tomorrow, the Lakers will play ETSU at 12:15 p.m. and Presbyterian at 4:45 p.m.
