East Tennessee State University’s softball team won both games in a doubleheader against Mercer, securing the series win on May 2. The Buccaneers defeated the Bears 8-1 in the first game and 7-3 in the second.
This marks East Tennessee State’s third Southern Conference series win of the season, which is their highest since achieving three wins during both the 2017 and 2016 seasons. The victories also give ETSU its first 20-win season since 2019 and only its fourteenth such season in program history.
In Game 1, Boone opened scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. After Mercer tied it up, ETSU broke out with a seven-run seventh inning that included multiple singles and a three-RBI double from Boone. Muncy pitched her third complete game of the season, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out two batters. Boone finished with a perfect day at the plate, going three-for-three with four RBIs.
The Bucs recorded fourteen hits in Game 1—their fourth-highest total this year—and thirty-four at-bats, which ties for their second-most this season. Several players contributed multiple hits or RBIs throughout both games.
In Game 2, Mercer scored first but ETSU responded with three runs in the fourth inning and added more runs later through timely hitting and errors by Mercer. Barnes earned her third win of the year after pitching over five innings with four strikeouts; Starnes secured her second save of the season by closing out the final innings effectively.
Looking ahead, East Tennessee State will attempt to sweep Mercer when they meet again on Sunday, May 3.
