Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University (32-17, 18-10 MEC) swept a doubleheader with Fairmont State (17-29, 10-18 MEC) in MEC softball action at Shepherd on Thursday. Shepherd gained a 1-0 victory in nine innings in game one and added a 9-2 triumph in the nightcap.

Sophomore designated player Lori Sturgill (Waldorf, Md./McDonough/College of Southern Maryland) led off the top of the ninth with a single, moved to second base on a ground out by sophomore outfielder Kaitlyn Konopka (Medford, N.J./Shawnee), and scored on a single by junior shortstop Sarah North (Belcamp, Md./Harford Technical).

Senior pitcher Tara Hanson (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) (9.0 IP, 4 K, 3 BB) (16-4) tossed a three-hitter to get the win for the Rams. Rachel Bias (9.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 K, 3 BB) (7-13) took the loss for the Falcons. Hanson has won her last five decisions.

Shepherd took a 3-0 lead in the third inning of the nightcap on a three-run blast by senior third baseman Alexandra Witt (Harpers Ferry, W.Va./Jefferson).

The Rams tacked on three more runs in the fourth with RBI-singles from sophomore outfielder Morgan Cox (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) and Sturgill keying the rally.

Fairmont State scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth behind a two-run single by Abby Burgess.

Shepherd added a pair of unearned runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to complete the scoring.

Sturgill and freshman second baseman Debbie Stuart (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) each had 3-for-4 effort for the Rams.

Sturgill (7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 K, 0 BB) (8-3) gained the win for the Rams. Hannah Absalom (3.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 0 K, 0 BB) (8-13) took the loss for the Falcons.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they host West Virginia State for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

Notes: Tara Hanson tied a pair of career marks for the Rams … she tied Nichole Pitcock (2008-11) with 539.2 career innings pitched and 107 career appearances.