HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College softball team dropped a pair of games in a non-conference doubleheader against the visiting Mercyhurst University Lakers. The Cobras fell in game one 9-4, then dropped the latter matchup 9-3. 

In game one, the Cobras struck first in the bottom of the second, when doubles by Tayler Barcomb and Allyson High put Coker ahead 1-0. Later in the inning, with runners on the corners and two outs, Corrine Stiles slashed a single into left field to score High and put Coker out in front 2-0. After a scoreless third inning, the Lakers scored four runs in the top of the fourth to take a 4-2 lead. In the bottom half of the frame, it was Stiles again slashing an RBI single to left field, scoring Maria Williamson and cutting the deficit to 4-3. The Lakers responded with two more runs in the top half of the fifth. Coker responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth, as Williamson singled to left, scoring Barcomb and leaving the score 6-4 in favor of Mercyhurst going into the sixth inning. The Lakers plated three insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning, securing the eventual 9-4 win.

Four batters collected all 12 of the Coker hits in the opener. Williamson and Stiles finished the game a perfect 3-for-3, with Williamson picking up one RBI and one run scored, while Stiles knocked in two RBIs. Barcomb and High both went 3-for-4; Barcomb finishing with two runs scored, High plating and scoring one.

Taylor Forehand got hit with the loss. She scattered five earned runs on nine hits in four and one-third innings, while striking out five.

In game two, the Lakers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after an inning and a half. Williamson continued her stellar performance at the plate, belting a homer to get Coker on the board in the bottom of the second inning. Coker continued their comeback in the third inning, plating two runs thanks to RBI base hits by Barcomb and Williamson. Mercyhurst plated insurance runs in the fifth and sixth inning, giving them the 9-3 win in game two.

Williamson finished game two going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, one run scored, a home run and a double. Riley Morris was a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish, while Barcomb, Ashley Gallman and Katelyn Chambers all picked up a hit.

Tabitha Allen was hit with the loss. She gave up six runs on seven hits in two innings.

The Cobras will be back in action tomorrow (Mar. 22) when they travel to Charlotte, N.C. to take on the Queens University of Charlotte Royals in a South Atlantic Conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

McDonald's Player of the Game – Maria Williamson