BOX SCORE LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University softball falls in the Northeast Conference Tournament first round 2-1 to Merrimack. The NEC Tournament is a double-elimination format and the Red Flash return to the field Friday afternoon.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» Rachel Marsden (12-12) went seven innings and allowed two runs on six hits with six strikeouts. She went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and was hit by a pitch.
» Jordan Pietrzykoski, Savannah Nash and Lexi Hernandez recorded the other three Red Flash hits.
 
TURNING POINTS OF GAME ONE
» Saint Francis and Merrimack combined for three hits in the first three and a half innings in a pitcher's duel between Marsden and Bry Michitson.
» Marsden broke through first with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Merrimack responded with a two-out, two-run single from Courtney Lanpher in the fifth inning.
» Saint Francis produced two runs in the final three innings but was unable to bring a run across, as Merrimack clinched its victory.
 
FLASH NUGGETS
» The loss snapped a seven-game NEC Tournament winning streak for the Red Flash and was the first loss since 2019. 
» Pietrzykoski extended her hitting streak to nine games, which ties her season-high.
» Marsden hit her eighth home run of the season and took sole possession of the team lead. It also marked the 99th hit of her collegiate career.

UP NEXT
Saint Francis will face the loser of No. 2 LIU and No. 3 Central Connecticut on Friday, May 12 at 1 p.m.