ERIE, Pennsylvania - After three consecutive conference series to open G-MAC play, the Lake Erie Storm softball program took the chance to face a non-conference opponent as they meant with the Mercyhurst Lakers for the second time this season. The Lakers took two in the first doubleheader in Painesville, and despite keeping both games competitive, the Storm were unable to avoid the sweep in Erie this time. The games went as follows:

Mercyhurst 7, Lake Erie 2

The first of the two contests saw both teams struggle for control of the game early. Mercyhurst got one run in the first, but Kiya Smith homered in the top of the second to keep Lake Erie in the game. Mercyhurst would then rattle off 4 runs to take control of the game. With their final chance to rally, the Storm had their work cut out for them. Dani Soria rose to the occasion and doubled in the 7th inning, and Arianna Tammaro would later Soria around on a ground out. Unfortunately, the late Storm rally was not quite enough to overcome the Laker advantage and Mercyhurst took game 1. Despite the loss, Carly Rowland and Emm Spahr would both pitch well for the Storm. Rowland would tally up 4 strikeouts in just over 5 innings of work.

Mercyhurst 3, Lake Erie 2

In the second contest, the Storm would control the game initially. A Kiya Smith single would bring around Tammaro in the 4th inning, and a 5th inning Laker error would bring in Dani Soria to give the Storm an early 2-0 advantage. However, the Lakers would rally with 1 run in the 5th, and 2 runs in the 6th to edge the Storm 3-2. Grace Hammer would get the start in this contest, and logged 4 strikeouts.

Lake Erie will continue their break from conference play as they are slated to take on another PSAC foe in the Lock Haven Bald Eagles on April 6th for a Wednesday afternoon doubleheader in Lock Haven. The Storm have also already played the Bald Eagles this season, as they defeated them 3-1 on March 11th in Winter Haven, Florida. The first contest in Lock Haven will begin at 1 pm.