Bears Split Day of Games

Saturday, March 19

Athens, Ga.

10:30 AM

Mercer University

6-18

University of Illinois

12-9

Illinois

Mercer

3/19/2022 11:42:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Mercer Loses Against Illinois, Wins against Dartmouth

By: Nicole Dennis

Athens, Ga. – The Mercer Bears began play in the UGA Classic in a matchup against Illinois. The Bears were downed in the first game, 8-0, but found victory against Dartmouth with a 10-2 win.

Illinois 8, Mercer 0

Illinois would find the board in the top of the fourth. A double by Jaelyn Vickery allowed her to score on a double by Zoe Caryl. Delaney Rummell walked early in the inning and scored on a double by Danielle Davis. A ground ball by Megan Ward advanced Davis and scored Caryl before the end of the inning, giving Illinois an early three-point lead.

The first hit for the Bears came in the bottom of the fifth inning with a single by Kylie Helm. The Bears were unable to capitalize.

Illinois extended their lead in the top of the sixth. Davis led off with a single. Back-to-back singles from Ward and Avrey Stiener allowed Davis to score. Steiner stole second and Ward stole home for the five-point lead. Before the end of the inning, Stiener scored following a double by Bella Loya.

In the bottom of the sixth, Adele Braun recorded a single. Again, the Bears were unable to reach the board.

An early walk by Caryl allowed Miranda Gallardo to pinch run.

Singles from Davis and Ward advanced the players on bases with a fly ball by Kelly Ryono scoring Gallardo. A final single from Stevie Meade scored Davis. Illinois 8, Mercer 0.

Mercer 10, Dartmouth 2

As the lead off, Rebeca Laudino reached first after being hit by the pitcher. She stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Kenlie Harvey walked and stole second. A walk by Braun loaded the bases before Annie Potter reached on fielder's choice, scoring Laudino. Harvey was able to score on a throwing error. Mercer 2, Dartmouth 0.

The Bears extended their lead in the third after a few innings of not much offensive work. Helm and Braun reach on a fielding error and fielder's choice, respectively. A single from Potter advanced Braun to second before an Alyssa Woods single allowed her to score.

Dartmouth recorded their first hit in the bottom of the third with a single from Izzy Kam.

In the top of the fourth, Tori Ash opened with a single. Laudino and Harvey singled back-to-back, loading the bases. A walk from Braun scored Laudino. Harvey scored on a fielder error reach for Potter. Mercer 5, Dartmouth 0.

An Alaana Panu double got her on base before she scored following a single from Billie McFadyen. Mercer 5, Dartmouth 1.

The Bears doubled their score in the top of the seventh starting with a double from Potter. A single from Woods advanced Potter to third before a wild pitch allowed Potter to score. Tori Hedgecock singled and Woods scored. Morgan Hall reached on a fielder's choice and stole second before a single from Laudino scored Hedgecock and Hall. The final point for the Bears came from Laudino who advanced bases with singles from Harvey and Braun.

Dartmouth scored once in the bottom of the seventh because of a single from Jenna Brown which was followed by a double from Leila Hennessy.

In the end, the Bears recorded an eight-point victory with a final score of 10-2.

Up Next
The Bears will continue competition in the UGA Classic in a 3:30 p.m. game against #15/19 Georgia and a 6:00 p.m. rematch against Dartmouth.

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Softball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerUSoftball (Twitter), /MUSoftball (Facebook) and @MercerUSoftball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.