DETROIT (4/5/17) – The University of Detroit Mercy softball team staged a rally after allowing three late runs, but could not overcome the hole as the squad dropped its home opener on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon to Eastern Michigan, 3-1, from Buysse Ballpark.
 
Sophomore Ashley Mauser was strong in the circle for the Titans, working around a pair of infield hits in the first inning and holding the Eagles scoreless through the first four frames. Eastern Michigan's Trisha Trujillo was up to the task on the opposing rubber, keeping the game scoreless heading into the fifth.
 
A leadoff walk and sacrifice bunt was followed by a RBI double by EMU's Michelle Kriegshauser to plate the first run of the game in favor of the visitors in the top of the fifth. The Eagles would add two more in the frame on an infield hit and a bunt single as EMU stretched ahead, 3-0.
 
The Titans rallied in the bottom of the fifth by putting the first two runners on base, but a throw out at the plate and a pop-up ended the threat as EMU held on to the three-run lead.
 
Junior Savvy Ferstle singled with out one in the sixth and made it to third on a single by senior Alyssa James, before sophomore Kara Vitale smoked a RBI into right field to bring the Titans within two at 3-1. The Titans would bring the tying run to the plate, but could not do any more damage and went quietly in the seventh as EMU held on for the win.
 
Mauser took the loss despite a quality start in which she allowed two runs on five hits in 4.1 innings of work. Freshman Liz Murphy came on in relief and allowed one run on four hits and a pair of walks in the final 2.2 innings.
 
Five Titans picked up hits on the day, with James leading the way after a 2-for-3 performance from the dish. Ferstle extended her hitting streak to eight after going 1-for-3 with a run scored and Jordan Manno, Sydney Pollock and Elizabeth Yager each picked up a hit in the defeat.
 
Detroit Mercy will have the opportunity to bounce back quickly as the home stand continues this weekend against NKU. The Horizon League series is set to begin with a single game on Friday at 3 p.m., before a doubleheader with the Norse on Saturday at 12 p.m.