East Tennessee State University’s softball team lost the final game of its regular season to Mercer on May 3, with a score of 6-1 at Sikes Field. The Buccaneers, now holding a record of 21-28 overall and 8-13 in league play, were unable to secure a series sweep despite clinching the series win earlier.
The outcome concludes ETSU’s third series win during league action this year. Previous successes included a sweep over Furman and another series win against Wofford.
In Sunday’s matchup, ETSU took an early lead in the top of the first inning when Porter doubled to left field, advanced on Taylor’s bunt, and scored on Moore’s single. However, two errors by ETSU in the bottom of the second allowed Mercer to score three runs. The Bears extended their advantage in the fourth inning with help from another Buccaneer error and added two more runs. Mercer’s sixth run came from a solo home run in the sixth inning.
Porter and Taylor each contributed doubles for ETSU during the contest. Taylor also collected two hits alongside teammates who combined for six out of nine total hits for the team. Moore drove in ETSU’s only run with her single to centerfield that brought Porter home.
Looking ahead, East Tennessee State will enter postseason play as the No. 6 seed at the Southern Conference Tournament and is set to face No. 7 seed Mercer again on Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m., taking place in Chattanooga.
