CARY, N.C. – North Carolina Central University fell behind early in both games of Friday's softball doubleheader against Mercer University and comeback efforts fell shy as the Eagles suffered 10-3 and 3-2 defeats to the visiting Bears at Thomas Brooks Park.
 
NCCU now owns a 4-20 overall record, while Mercer improves to 16-14 overall.
 
Up next for NCCU, the Eagles host Winthrop University for a doubleheader on Thursday, April 8, at Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, North Carolina.
 
GAME ONE: Mercer 10, N.C. Central 3
 
Mercer wasted no time to get things started on Friday, tallying four runs in the top of the first inning. NCCU pulled to within a run as three Eagles crossed the plate in the second inning to make it a 4-3 ballgame, but the Bears erased those runs by scoring three of their own in the top of the third, then added two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth for the 10-3 victory.
 
NCCU freshman outfielder Imara Harrell, the reigning MEAC Player and Rookie of the Week, remained hot at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, while fellow freshman Hailey Batista also contributed two hits for the Eagles.
 
Mercer was sparked by Allie Jones with three hits and two runs score, while Sophie Sumner (4 RBI) and Bree Comer (3 RBI) combined for seven RBI. Pitcher Amber Byrd picked up her fourth victory of the season for the Bears.
 
GAME TWO: Mercer 3, N.C. Central 2
 
In game two, Mercer lit the scoreboard in the first inning again, this time with a single run, then added two more in the third for a 3-0 advantage.
 
NCCU tallied a run in the fourth courtesy of an RBI double by Tamiera Sanchez and pulled to within a run in the seventh and final inning, but the Eagles left two runners stranded as the Bears held on for a 3-2 win.