The Mercer Bears swept the Lady Rattlers softball team during a double-header Saturday at The Lady Rattler Complex.
The Lady Rattlers held an advantage the majority of game one, but a three-run homerun by the Lady Bears sealed the 4-3 defeat.
“The first game we hung in there,” assistant coach Lori Goodart said. “It was pretty much a letdown when we gave up the three-run homer. We talked about being committed to playing and representing Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. We need to stay committed to playing the game. When we make mistakes, we have to learn to make adjustments in the future.”
Woody Mckenzie produced a team-leading two hits for the Lady Bears, while Caitlin Peisel and Lilli Luke supported with two hits each.
Kassie Bailey earned the victory for the Lady Bears, pitching a complete game and allowing eight hits and three earned runs. Bailey also recorded three strikeouts and zero walks against 29 batters.
Jasmine Donaldson led FAMU with three hits and one run. Kiefi Myrick produced two hits in four at bats, while Whitney Robinson, Arianna Stewart and Alyssa Weaver earned one hit.
Ashleigh Minter earned the loss for FAMU, pitching six and two-thirds innings. She allowed four earned runs. She allowed four walks against the 27 batters she faced.
“After the first inning, my catcher helped me get back into my game,” Minter said. “I know one pitch doesn’t change a game, but I have to work on hitting my spots on the field. It wasn’t a terrible pitch, but I have to work on my spots.”
The Lady Rattlers struggled to score runs as they left 12 runners on base. That was the difference-maker in the game.
The Lady Rattlers were overwhelmed by the Lady Bears’ hitting during game two as Mercer produced 11 hits to FAMU’s three. FAMU’s lack of offense led to a 10-1 defeat.
“I needed to get on base,” said senior left fielder Tenisha Dixon. “I needed to find a way or make a way to get on base. We are going to practice harder, focus harder, hit harder and play harder. We haven’t played in games in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) yet, but we can definitely take these games to get better.”
The Lady Rattlers will return to action today against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at the Lady Rattlers Complex. The first pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m.