West Windsor Township, NJ - Howard Community College battled in two hotly contested games, but was ultimately swept in a doubleheader by Mercer County Community College on Friday in West Windsor, New Jersey, falling 4-1 in the opener before dropping a 12-9 slugfest in game two.

In game one, the Dragons were locked in a scoreless pitchers' duel through the first two innings before Howard broke through in the third. Katherine Wright reached base and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Taylor Pence to give Howard a 1-0 advantage. Mercer answered with a run in the fourth, then used a three-run sixth inning to take control.

Howard managed just one hit in the contest, with Wright recording the team's lone knock. Marissa Webb went the distance in the circle, striking out four over six innings.

The Dragons' bats came alive in game two as Howard collected 10 hits and scored in five different innings, but Mercer capitalized on key innings and Howard miscues to complete the sweep.

Howard jumped ahead early with three runs in the first inning. Webb led the way with a huge performance, going 3-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and two walks. Madison Falby scored three runs and drove in two, while Gianna Peluso added two hits and three runs scored. Taylor Pence doubled and drove in a run, while Layla Walker and Madison Hamolia each contributed an RBI.

Mercer answered with five runs in the second inning and added four more in the fourth to build separation. Howard continued to battle back, scoring three runs in the fifth and another in the sixth, but could not complete the comeback. Sophia Steele struck out five in six innings of work.

Despite the losses, Howard got some good experience in a couple of competitive non-conference games. They will return to Region 20 action next when they travel to nearby CCBC Catonsville on Wednesday, April 22 starting at 3 PM.