The Mercyhurst University softball team fell twice to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) on Saturday afternoon at Podbeilski Field. The Lakers dropped a 9-1 decision in game one of the doubleheader and fell 6-4 after a late rally.

Mercyhurst is now 9-15 overall this season and fell to 3-5 in the PSAC West division.

During the second game against IUP, the Lakers had three hits in the first inning. Sophomore Allison Yule and junior Becky Malaga connected singles before senior Courtney Smith tallied her second homerun of the season for 3 RBI.

Leading the team this year as captain is senior pitcher Meghan Smith, who leads the team with total bases, 18 RBIs, 3 home runs and has a batting average of .324.

“I was voted into the captain position last year as a junior and it has been a great experience so far. I think the underclassmen really look up to me and they are all willing to learn from what I have to teach them. This is such a fun team to lead and my other captains are awesome leaders as well,” Smith said.

The Lakers have welcomed five freshmen into the program for the 2014 season.

“It’s hard to pick out just a few people that have stepped up. Everyone on the team has their roles, and everyone is doing their jobs to help us be successful. This is a team of majority underclassmen who have all equally stepped up and even have made me realize this team is going to do some great things this year,” Smith said.

The Lakers saw much success in a doubleheader against Clarion University on March 21 as well as winning every game during their Salem International tournament over spring break.
“It is always an adjustment going from practicing all winter indoors, so it is expected our first few games to readjust to playing on dirt again,” Smith said.

“The team is really starting to come together we are figuring out the style of each player on and off of the field. This team has a lot of talent and you know on any given day that the girl next to you is going to play to the best of her ability,” Smith added.

“I never thought my senior year would come. I am really looking forward to enjoying playing softball with some of my best friends. I would say my biggest goal of the year would be to the NCAA tournament this year. It’s something I have yet to experience in my three previous years. I love this game and I am going to enjoy every minute of it,” Smith said.

The Lakers next doubleheader is against Clarion University on Friday, April 11, at the Mercyhurst University softball field. The games are set to play at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.