CLEARWATER, Fla. (3/6/16) – The University of Detroit Mercy softball team was edged by Penn, 4-2, Sunday afternoon from the USF Under Armour Invitational in the Sunshine State.
 
The Titans outhit the Quakers 9-7 but could not overcome the timely hitting from Penn. Detroit fell behind early and displayed grit by fighting back into the game, but could not complete the comeback.
 
The middle of the Titan lineup was difficult to keep off the bases, tallying all nine of Detroit's hits from the second through fifth batters in the order.
 
Alyssa James led Detroit with a perfect 4-for-4 day with a pair of RBIs, while Kristen Garceau and Jordan Manno each went 2-for-4. Cheyenne Willeford scored two runs from the top of the lineup and Savvy Ferstle went 1-for-4 with a stolen base.
 
Junior Keaira Schilling was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3.1 innings pitched. Freshman Ashley Mauser appeared in relief and allowed just one base runner on a walk in the final 2.2 innings from the circle.
 
The Titans stranded two or more runners on base four times in the game, including the seventh inning when Detroit was retired with the game-tying run in scoring position.
 
Detroit falls to 5-13 with the loss, while Penn improves to 2-3.
 
Detroit returns to action Monday against South Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.