JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 12, 2025) – East Tennessee State University softball remains winless in April after losing both games of its Saturday doubleheader to Mercer, 4-2 and 10-2.

The Bucs jumped out in front in the first game with a one-out, two-run double from Tiare Rieger that scored Whitney Boone and Leilani Coleman. That was all the ETSU offense mustered in the first game, though, and Rieger's double was the Bucs' lone extra base hit of the day.

Mercer responded quickly to tie the game with a two-run single from Tori Hedgecock in the top of the third before adding a pair more in the top of the fourth to take a 4-2 lead.

ETSU loaded the bases in the sixth inning, but only got one runner into scoring position in the fourth, fifth and seventh combined, and was unable to capitalize on the two scoring opportunities. The 4-2 score held to close the first game.

In the second game, Mercer's offense got going and stayed hot. A sac fly and solo home run scored the first two Bears runs. The long ball was the first of four for Mercer on the day. A three-run homer from Hedgecock followed in the third to make the lead 5-0. 

The Bucs got their only runs back on a two-run single from Sara Muir to make it 5-2, but the Bears kept pouring on the runs. A fourth inning RBI single was followed by two two-run, two-out homers in the seventh.

Freshman Whitney Boone had the best overall day for the Bucs, reaching base four times and robbing Hedgecock of extra bases with a leaping grab at the warning track. Freshman Catlin Pennington had her longest career outing, going five innings in the second game while allowing just one earned run.

Next, ETSU will try to avoid the series sweep at 1 p.m. on Sunday.  

For more information on Buccaneer softball, follow @ETSUSoftball on X (Twitter), @etsubucssoftball on Instagram and visit ETSUBucs.com.