Softball Recap: Merrillville Comes Up Short

Merrillville had lost eight straight at home dating back to last season, but on Monday they dropped their record down to 1-17 to make it nine. They lost 24-10 to the Hammond Morton Governors. Even if the Pirates couldn't come away with the win, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.

Alaysia Haney made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-5 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That double was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Elani Alvarez, who went 3-for-4 with two runs.

As for Hammond Morton, the victory (which was their sixth in a row) raised their record to 8-2. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

On Hammond Morton's side, Ei'Lani Herrera made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and nine unearned) runs off ten hits. Herrera has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with one home run, two stolen bases, and five RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Analiya Feliciano, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with six stolen bases, six runs, and two RBI. She has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last six times she's played. Asia Jackson was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with three stolen bases and four runs.

Looking ahead, Merrillville will take on Valparaiso at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Hammond Morton, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Griffith at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.