Mercer Drops Heartbreaker in Day One Action of the Aquafina Invitational

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Mercer Drops Heartbreaker in Day One Action of the Aquafina Invitational

2/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Gainesville, Fla. – The Mercer University softball team lost a heartbreaker in the opening game of the University of Florida Aquafina Invitational to Illinois State 1-0. Missed chances on the base path lead to the Bears loss.

"We played them very well," said Head Coach James DeFeo. "We just need to execute with runners in scoring position." The Bears left eight runners stranded throughout the game and had opportunities to take the lead early, as Mercer had the bases loaded in the first inning with one out but could not capitalize.

Mercer dominated the game statistically, out hitting their opponent 7-2. Taylor Miller continued to stay hot at the plate extending her hitting streak to ten games. Miller also recorded her sixth multi-hit game this season.

Kirsten Stevens put forth a tremendous effort in the circle for the Bears allowing only two hits and tabbing six strikeouts through seven innings. Coach DeFeo had nothing but positive words regarding his starting pitcher, "Kirsten pitched an outstanding game. She put us in position to win. We've just got to capitalize on missed opportunities." Stevens pitch her third complete game of the season, as she picked up her third loss and moves to 3-3 on the year.

Mercer will have to put things behind them quickly as they prepare for day two action of the Aquafina Invitational. The Bears will face off against the University of Kansas at 4:30 p.m. followed immediately by Liberty University at 6:45 p.m.

Stay tuned to MercerBears.com for live stats and boxscores and be sure to follow Mercer softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) to keep up with all things Mercer Softball.