East Tennessee State University’s softball team won both games of a doubleheader against Mercer on May 2, clinching the series win. The Buccaneers defeated the Bears 8-1 in the first game and 7-3 in the second.
This marks East Tennessee State’s third Southern Conference series win of the season, matching their achievements from 2017 and 2016. The victories also secured ETSU’s first 20-win season since 2019, making it only the fourteenth time in program history they have reached this milestone.
In Game 1, Boone opened scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. After Mercer tied it up, ETSU broke out with a seven-run seventh inning highlighted by Boone’s three RBI double and Suchy’s two RBI triple. Muncy pitched her third complete game of the season, allowing just one run on three hits and collecting two strikeouts.
Game 2 saw Mercer take an early lead before ETSU responded with three runs in the fourth inning. Key contributions included Taylor advancing across home plate and Croley driving in two runs with a single to right field. Lutu added to ETSU’s lead with a single that brought in more runs during a productive seventh inning. Barnes pitched over five innings for her third win of the year while securing three assists defensively; Stowell earned her second save by holding Mercer scoreless over nearly two innings.
The Buccaneers will aim for a sweep when they face Mercer again on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
