April 2, 2008

ERIE - Behind a second game shutout by Caitlin Lamison, the Clarion University softball team split a doubleheader with Mercyhurst Wednesday.

The Golden Eagles (2-11) lost Game One 6-3 but behind a strong outing from Lamison won Game Two 8-0.

"Game Two was the first big win for us this season," Clarion head coach Nancy Smoose said. "The players are excited. Game One was also a good game as well."

Clarion returns to action Friday at IUP.

GAME ONE - Mercyhurst 6, Clarion 3

A 4-run third inning helped lift Mercyhurst to a 6-3 win in Game One.

Clarion, which scored all three of its runs in the fifth, got RBIs from Carlie Cook, Nicole Lollo and Marissa Myers with all three players having hits including a double by Cook. Kara Kelosky, Ashley Grisnik and Lauren Stauber each added hits for the Golden Eagles, and Kelosky, Grisnik and Lauren Martino scored runs.

Valorie Rankin took the loss going five innings and allowing six runs, four earned, on nine hits and a walk while striking out four. Lindsay Vevers threw a scoreless inning of relief.

GAME TWO - Clarion 8, Mercyhurst 0

Game Two belonged to Lamison, who threw a 6-hit shutout. She walked two and struck out five.

Cook led the offense going 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs. Martino added a 1-for-2 performance with two runs scored and two RBIs. Katie Baun was 1-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Kelosky was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Lollo went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Jenelle Hallowell also had a base hit and run scored. Stauber scored twice.

NOTES - The win is Clarion's first outside of its southern spring training trips since beating Slippery Rock 3-0 April 13, 2006 ... The eight runs were the most for the Golden Eagles vs. an NCAA Division II opponent since beating Slippery Rock 11-3 April 4, 2002.