Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SALEM, Va. – Shepherd University (3-3) split a pair of games in first day softball action of the Salem Tournament on Friday. The Rams dropped a 5-4 decision to Mercyhurst (1-2) in the early game and posted an 8-0 win over Malone (6-3) in six innings in a later contest.

Freshman first baseman Connor Gilligan (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) went 2-for-2 with a two-run triple and two runs scored to lead the Rams against Malone. Freshman second baseman Morgan Cox (Halifax, Pa./ Halifax) went 3-for-3 with a run scored, while freshman third baseman Rachel Taylor (Marshall, Va./Fauquier) added a 1-for-3 effort  with a two-run double.

Alexa Holztrager went 3-for-3 for Malone.

Sophomore pitcher Kaitlin Munda (Nokesville, Va./Kettle Run) (6.0 IP, 11 Ks, 2 BB) (2-1) scattered five hits in a shutout victory. Kari Hall (3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 0 Ks, 3 BB) (5-2) took the loss for Malone.
 

Rachel Di Bartolomeo went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and a run scored to pace the Lakers in the victory in the early game. Allison Yule added a 1-for-2 effort and drove in a pair of runs

 

Gilligan went 2-for-4 with a two-run blast to lead the Rams. Sophomore outfielder Courtney Clemons (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin) posted a 2-for-3 performance with two runs scored, while freshman shortstop Kaitlyn Konopka (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) went 2-for-2.

 

Junior pitcher Tara Hanson (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) (4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 6 Ks, 4 BB) (1-2) took the loss for the Rams. Heather Nye (7.0 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 2Ks, 4 BB) (1-0) picked up the win for the Lakers.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they face Bloomsburg at 2 p.m. and Virginia Union at 4 p.m. in second day action of the Salem Tournament.