March 9, 2008

Florence, S.C. - The Mercyhurst softball team came up one extra-inning loss from sweeping four games in the Francis Marion Invitational over the weekend, ending the tournament with three straight wins to move to 6-6 on the year.

The Lakers were scheduled to play six games at the event but rain shortened the competition to just four games. Mercyhurst opened play Saturday by losing to Lander 5-4 in nine innings. The Lakers bounced back later that day to defeat future conference opponent Clarion 9-0 in five innings. Clarion plays in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in which Mercyhurst will move for the 2008-09 school year.

Sunday, the Lakers opened the day by defeating Salem International 7-2 and capped off the tournament with a 5-3 victory over Adelphi.

Mercyhurst is scheduled to compete in the Salem Invitational March 20-22 in Salem, Va. The Lakers are expected to play two games on each of the three days of the event, including a rematch with Salem International.