KENT, Ohio - The Mercyhurst softball team hit the road to play a double header at Kent State in the first-ever matchup between the two sides. The first game was marked by great defensive plays and excellent pitching. The second game featured nine or more hits for both sides. In both contests, the Lakers were in the lead. However, the Golden Flashes came from behind both times, winning 2-1 and 6-5.
In game one, Mercyhurst (2-15, 1-2 NEC) took an early lead in the first inning when
Karlie Kasten walked and later scored on
Gabriella DeLuca's single to center field.
Alexa North was on the mound and prevented Kent State (13-13, 4-2 MAC) from scoring or recording a hit through the first four innings. However, the Lakers could not find insurance runs.
In the fifth inning, the Golden Flashes evened the score. This came from a single who then advanced to second on a groundout. The runner then scored on a double to left field. The score was knotted at one headed into the sixth inning.
The Lakers could not find a run in the sixth or seventh as they now needed extras for any chance of winning. Kent State secured the win with a walk-off single that drove in a pinch runner. The Golden Flashes won game one, 2-1.
In game two, Mercyhurst (2-16, 1-2 NEC) started strong in the first inning when Kasten scored the first run for the second time today. The chaotic sequence that lead to this involved a SAC bunt from Pascual and an error or two in the process. In the third inning,
Bailey Cannon extended the Lakers lead with a solo cannon ball to center field. However, Kent State (14-13, 4-2 MAC) responded with a run of their own, with the score at 2-1 after the third.
The Golden Flashes took the lead in the fifth inning, scoring three runs, including one on a wild pitch and another on a sacrifice fly. The score was now 4-2, Kent State.
The Lakers regained momentum in the sixth inning with a tremendous comeback. They put up three runs and four hits.
Alexandra Acosta-Reyes contributed with an RBI single, and Kasten reached first on an error, allowing another run to score.
Emelie Pascual's RBI single capped the three-run burst, putting Mercyhurst up 5-4.
Kent State held off Mercyhurst's attempt at gaining insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Every Laker fan held their breathe when, with two outs and a full count, what could have been the final pitch was thrown. The Golden Flashes' batter smashed a double to tie the game and then added a single to walk off the game for the second time today. The final score was 6-5.
The Lakers will resume NEC play this weekend at CCSU. The first game is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.
