HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU softball (11-13, 4-1) hosted Mercyhurst (0-15, 0-5) for their home opener on Saturday afternoon. The Knights emerged victorious in both games of a thrilling doubleheader. FDU took the first game 7-2, and won the second 3-2 in walk-off fashion.
Game 1
The Knights sent
Julia Swan out to the circle to kick off the 2025 home campaign. Swan delivered a gem for the Knights, allowing them to pull away with a victory. Swan twirled a complete game, allowing just one earned run, and striking out seven in the process. She was helped out by a big offensive day by the Knights. FDU got things started with a big third inning rally. The Knights strung together some hits, and made some heads-up baserunning plays to get themselves on the board, and erase an early 1-0 deficit.
Kailee O'Sullivan hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at one. With
Erika Barela at the plate, a wild pitch allowed
Madison Rishel to score from third to give FDU their first lead. Barela proceeded to immedaitely add to the cushion, hitting an RBI single to score
Brianna Holguin, who had advanced to third on the wild pitch. An RBI single by
Celeste Quezada in the fifth gave the Knights a cushion, although Mercyhurst was able to cut things to a 4-2 game in the sixth. In the bottom half of the sixth,
Kailee O'Sullivan came through with a bases-clearing three-run double to blow the game open in favor of FDU, who held on to win 7-2.
Game 2
The second game of the doubleheader delivered an instant classic. Two-time NEC Pitcher of the Week
Brooklyn Shroyer took the circle, kicking off her first start at home in her sophomore season. What a start it was. Shroyer completely dominated the Mercyhurst bats. She took a perfect game into the sixth inning, and struck out a ridiculous career-high 22. Shroyer's herculean effort had just two blemishes. With FDU leading 2-0 in the top of the seventh, Shroyer gave up two solo home runs, which pushed things to extras. Things would extend all the way until the ninth inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, freshman
Brianna Holguin stepped to the plate. The rookie delivered in a big way for the Knights, as she laced a single to score
Mikayla Conklin from second, winning the game. Holguin's clutch effort secured the Knights the sweep, as well as the series win over the Lakers. It also pushed the Knights to 4-1 in conference play.
Brooklyn Shroyer finished the game out for FDU as well, throwing a nine-inning complete game, with a final line of 9IP, 5H, 2R, 22K, 1BB.
WHAT'S NEXT
FDU will look for the series sweep of Mercyhurst when they host the Lakers for a Sunday afternoon match-up. First pitch will be at 12:00 p.m, with coverage available on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU softball on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsSB.
Kai-Zen Fitness is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 FDU Softball season.
