Softball Continues Work in Fall Schedule Against Darton

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer softball team wrapped up its first weekend of its fall schedule on Sunday, splitting a doubleheader with Darton College, 6-3 and 4-0.

The Bears finished 3-1 on the weekend and were able to get some quality innings under their belts as head coach James DeFeo continues to install the direction of his program.

"The first game we came out and were firing on all cylinders," DeFeo said. "Ashton (Holt) came up with big hit and Julia Rice pitched really well again. All around it was a good game."

"The second game we were kind of relaxed," DeFeo said. "We pitched pretty well we were just not as focused at the plate and had some miscues. We didn't do what we did in the second game that we did in the first, but this is a learning experience and we have to get back to work and in two weeks we will see what we can work on."

The Bears had some strong individual performances on Sunday including freshman Marissa Botz and senior Kelly Redlinger. Botz pitched in game two and also had some quality at bats while Redlinger had a couple of hits and made the most of her opportunities at the plate.

"As a unit we have to keep plugging along," DeFeo said. "We have a tendency to play well at times but we have to remain consistent and continue to do and put together a full doubleheader together."

Mercer picks up fall action in two weeks when the Bears play host to Augusta State and Georgia College on October 6^th and 7^th respectively.

FROM SATURDAY

MACON, Ga. – Mercer head coach James DeFeo and his retooled Mercer softball program opened up its fall schedule on Saturday taking a pair of wins against Middle Georgia College.

Junior transfer pitcher Julia Rice pitched a complete-game shutout in game one as Mercer took the 2-0 win. The Bears offense came alive in the second game in a 6-3 result for Mercer. Saturday was the first look for DeFeo as five freshmen and three transfers debuted for the Bears.

"We got some newcomers some good time and at bats today," DeFeo said. "Julia Rice pitched well in our first game. She threw a shutout and worked ahead of a lot of batters."

DeFeo admitted that although the Bears got the two results they were looking for they still have a ways to go. One of Mercer's transfers from Nicholls State, Rachel Hugghins had a solid day at the plate and came up big with a couple hits in game two, DeFeo mentioned.

"We played good defense but we still need to have better at bats, execute better and focus on doing the little things better. All in all though it was a good day."

The Bears continue their fall slate tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader scheduled against Darton College. Gametime is set for 12 and 2 p.m. at Sikes Field.