DRIFTON, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University softball teams quest for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title came to an end today, April 26 after Lock Haven University took control of the evening contest winning, 8-4.

Mercyhurst marked the first score of the game, pushing two runs across the dish in the bottom of the first inning.  With senior Samantha Eimers on third and freshman Shaina Bunker on second, sophomore Megan Smith ripped a single into center field scoring both.

Lock Haven responded with a two-run inning of its own after a two-run homer by Alicia Cacciotti.

Back-to-back homers in the fifth inning put the Bald Eagles up on the Lakers by a score of 5-3.  The Lakers chipped away at the Bald Eagles lead after Bunker led the bottom of the fifth off with a homerun to center field.

The Haven added three more runs in the seventh inning after a three-run shot that stretched their lead over the Lakers to five runs. 

Senior Jen Bower kick started the seventh inning for the Lakers with a single into left field.  Smith then added a single of her own down the left field line, Bower was thrown out trying to advance to third base on the hit.  Senior Emily Redig kept the Lakers alive with a single down the right field line that drove in Smith from second.  After Lock Haven's starter gave up a walk to senior Andrea Sauers, her second of the day, she was pulled from the game.  Her reliever, Sarah Morse recorded the final out of the game to end the Lakers comeback.

The Lakers left 10 runners on base during the game with their best opportunity to score coming in the fourth inning when the bases were loaded, unfortunately the Lakers couldn't capitalize on the situation. 

Eimers drew three walks in today's contest while Sauers earned the free pass twice.  Bunker and Smith went 2-4 from the plate with Smith driving in two while Bunker and Redig each pushed one run across the dish.  Bunker crossed the plate herself twice while Eimers and Smith both touched home once.

Senior Kristi Janoske was credited with the loss as she gave up three runs on three hits during her time in the circle.  Freshman Annie Truelove started the game for the Lakers pitching three innings in the process.  Truelove gave up two runs on four hits.  Junior Megan Hopton also took the rubber, pitching two and two-thirds innings.  Hopton allowed three runs on two hits.

The Lakers finish their season with a 26-25 overall record setting a new single season wins mark for the program.  Mercyhurst's two wins in the PSAC tournament this season mark the first wins in the conference tournament since it joined the league in 2009.  Since the Lakers union with the league they have made the conference tournament three of the four years.

 The Haven improves to 27-17 on the season and will match up against Kutztown University tomorrow, April 27 at 1 p.m.