Mercer University
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Kansas
Mercer Splits Games on Day Two of the Aquafina Invitaional
2/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Mercer University softball team split a pair of games on day two of the Aquafina Invitational. Mercer (7-6) was defeated by Kansas (13-1) in the first game 2-0 but rebounded against Liberty (4-8) to win 3-0.
Final – Kansas 2, Mercer 0
The Bears posted another strong defensive performance in their first game of day three action, allowing four hits through six innings. Kirsten Stevens provided six solid innings, striking out five batters in her fourth complete game of the year.
The game remained a stalemate through the first four innings. Mercer had a chance to take the lead in the second, but left runners stranded on second and third. Kansas added the only two runs of the game in the fifth inning assisted by a Mercer error. Kirsten Stevens picks up her second loss of the Invitational, as the Bears move to 6-6 on the year.
Final – Mercer 3, Liberty 0
Mercer continued their tough defensive play in their third game of the Aquafina Invitational, as they beat Liberty 3-0. Anna O'Neill picked up her third win of the season in dominant fashion. The sophomore allowed four hits through seven innings, while recording nine strikeouts.
The Bears got the bats going in the fifth inning, led off by Emma Andrew's single into left field. Meghan Rud would record the first RBI of the game, as her single to center field would score Andrew. Rud scored an unearned run minutes later off of Riley Carter's single to center field, assisted by a Liberty error.
Mercer would add another run in the sixth inning to push the lead to three for the final run of the game. Molly Garmany reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to third off of a Quirisa Mauga double. Garmany would then score off of a wild pitch. O'Neill moves to 3-1 on the year as the Bears head into the final day of the Invitational.
Mercer will look to harness their momentum as they face the defending national champions, Florida, in double-header action on the final day of the Aquafina Invitational. The Bears will face off against the gators at 12:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m EST. Mercer fans can follow along with live stats or listen to the broadcast on WGGG-AM out of Gainesville.
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.
