DRIFTON, Pa. – One week ago the Gannon University softball team swept Edinboro University to help the Mercyhurst University softball team into the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament.  Today, the Lake rs knocked the Golden Knights out of the PSAC tournament with a 6-5 win.

After this morning's game the Lakers are now 26-24 on the season and have won more games in a season than any other Mercyhurst softball team in its 37 year program history.  The Lakers squelched a second team's aspiration of a PSAC title as Gannon's 2012 campaign ended with a 30-17 overall record.

Gannon held the Lakers scoreless in the top of the first inning before jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of the frame courtesy of an Ashley Petrone RBI single to right field.

Mercyhurst jumped ahead of the Golden Knights in the third inning after pushing three runs across the plate.  Junior Molly McNamara jump-started the rally with a single, then stole second base.  Freshman Shaina Bunker continued her hot streak as she doubled to left field driving in McNamara from second base.  Two batters later sophomore Megan Smith gave the Lakers a 3-1 lead after hitting a no-doubter over the left field fence.

The Golden Knights responded in the bottom half of the inning as they manufactured two runs to knot the game at three. 

However the Lakers offense stayed hot in the fourth inning plating another three runs to take a 6-3 lead.  Senior Andrea Sauers drew a walk to start the inning before junior Amanda Walker doubled to right field.  Senior Sydney Cuscino pinch hit with two runners in scoring position and drew a walk to load the bases for senior Samantha Eimers.  Eimers hit into a fielder's choice but drove in Sauers from third. 

Eimers swiped second base placing both freshman Lauren Rossi and her in scoring position.  Junior Kristen Fyffe pinch hit and came through with a single up the middle scoring both runners.

Gannon rallied in its last at bat.  Leadoff batter Caitlyn Colucci doubled to right field.  The next batter was hit by a pitch bringing the tying run to the plate. The runners advanced into scoring position on a ground out.  A single by Samanta Scott scored the runner from third, but a heads up play by Sauers nabbed Scott in a run down  while the Lakers were able to keep the other runner at third

An infield single with two out brought Gannon to within a run of the Lakers.  Junior Megan Hopton stifled the rally by getting the next batter on an infield pop to Eimers.

Hopton has now won back-to-back games in the PSAC tournament with today's win marking her sixth of the season.  Starting pitcher, freshman Annie Truelove, went three innings striking out four batters in the process.  The Mercyhurst pitchers were aggressive throughout the game, allowing no walks in the contest.

Erica Bartholow suffered the loss for the Golden Knights and now owns a 13-5 record.

Mercyhurst will now play the loser of the Lock Haven University and IUP contest which started at 1 p.m.  The game will begin at 4 p.m. on field two at the ASA of PA Jake Kislan Softball Complex.  Live stats are available, click here.