NKU-UTC box score |
NKU-Mercer box score
MACON, Ga. –
Emily Schwaeble hit a grand slam and
Michelle Carson extended her team-best hitting streak to six games, but the effort fell short for the Northern Kentucky University softball team, which dropped games to Chattanooga and Mercer on Day 1 of the Mercer Bears Classic.
Chattanooga got runs in the sixth and seventh innings, including a walk-off fielder's choice, to take a 2-1 victory in the early game.
Dee Dee Davis drove in NKU's only run on a fielder's choice in the fourth inning.
Schwaeble (0-4) took the loss in the circle, scattering six hits and giving up two runs while striking out two. Carson and
Katelyn Roy got NKU's two hits on the game.
Schwaeble's grand slam came in the late game against Mercer, punctuating a five-run second inning that saw the Norse claim an early lead in the contest. However, the Bears responded with a seven-run third inning and continued to pull away for a 13-5 victory. Sarah Santana hit a three-run double in Mercer's big frame and Krista Kennedy followed with a two-run home run to take the game out of doubt.
Roy posted a 2-for-3 game, including a double, while Schwaeble claimed her 28
th career home run, leaving her three away from tying NKU's career record of 31, set by Ashley Gates, who played for the Norse from 2009-2011.
Kelley Benhase (3-3) took the loss in her eighth appearance for NKU.
NKU closes out round-robin play in the classic tomorrow against Central Arkansas. From there, the tournament will move into bracket play, with the semifinal games scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.
