Softball: Colonels win on walkoff against Mercer, fall late versus EKU

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Nicholls State University softball team picked up another split in nonconference action, dropping a 4-2 matchup against EKU before winning 5-4 against Mercer Friday in the Black and Gold Tournament.

Nicholls will continue play in the tournament with two games on Saturday, and one on Sunday.

Against EKU (13-2), Nicholls used a 2-run home run by Yasmeen Williams in the second inning to take the early lead. But the other Colonels rallied late with two runs in the fifth before taking the lead in the sixth with their own 2-run shot. Nicholls went down in order in the seventh as Mollie Paulick completed the one-hitter.

Williams had the only hit in the loss, driving in Danielle Duplay, who pinch-ran for Caitlin Garcia after a leadoff walk. Garcia reached base twice with free passes, and Allie Amerson also drew a walk.

Emily Danehower made the start, going 4.2 innings with two earned runs on four hits. Jordan Moon (3-3) took the loss after allowing the homer by Bella Gonzalez.

In the second game, Nicholls led early again with a four-run fourth before Mercer rallied for three runs in the sixth before tying it in the seventh. But for the second time this week, the Colonels loaded the bases and won on a walkoff single as Williams ended the game with a base hit to center.

Nicholls racked up 11 hits in the win, led by Corynn Major with three hits, two RBIs and her lone run was the game-winner. Kennedy Hebert and Melise Gossen each added two hits, and Garcia started the big fourth with a solo homer.

Skylar Hamilton then put Nicholls up 2-0 with an RBI single and Major capped the frame with a 2-run base hit.

Moon earned the win after making two appearances in the game. She totaled all seven innings, striking out six while surrendering two runs on three hits. Tayrn Westbrook relieved her in the sixth, but after a walk and a 2-run single, Moon re-entered the game. Mercer scored on a triple by Allie Jones to close out the Bear sixth.

In the seventh, a leadoff walk led to the tying run for Mercer. With two outs, Kenlie Harvey delivered an RBI single to center.

Like on Tuesday in the final inning against South Alabama, Major started things off by reaching on an infield single. After a sacrifice bunt, Hebert reached on an infield single and Garcia was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Williams then pulled through with a full count with a game-winning single to right center.

UP NEXT

Saturday, Nicholls will have another contest against Mercer (2 p.m.) before playing host Alabama State at 7 p.m. Sunday features another Colonels vs. Colonels matchup against EKU at 11:30 a.m.

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