May 22nd 2026 On a warm Thursday evening in Fort Wayne, the Hamilton Marines varsity softball team picked up a strong road victory over Fort Wayne North Side, earning an 11-6 win behind timely hitting and a complete game performance in the circle from senior Marissa Mercer. Hamilton wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning. The Marines plated two early runs and took a 2-1 lead after the opening frame. Fort Wayne North Side answered with a run in the bottom of the inning, but Hamilton continued to apply pressure offensively throughout the night. The Marines added another run in the third inning when Tristen Creager blasted a solo home run to center field to extend the lead to 3-1. North Side responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game at 3-3. Hamilton regained momentum in the fourth inning. Aggressive baserunning and pressure at the plate helped the Marines score twice and take a 5-3 lead. In the fifth inning, Hamilton continued to build separation as Gianna Ceci scored on a ground out by Gracie Myers and Skye Allen later crossed the plate on an error to make it 7-3. North Side answered with a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to 7-4. The Marines broke the game open in the seventh inning with four more runs. Marissa Mercer delivered an RBI single, while Hamilton capitalized on passed balls and defensive miscues to stretch the lead to 11-4. North Side added two runs in the bottom of the seventh before Hamilton closed out the victory. Offensively, Hamilton was led by Creager’s home run and four total bases. Marissa Mercer added a double, RBI single, and finished with three total bases. Skye Allen reached base consistently and added two stolen bases. Tsumiya Sato, Gianna Ceci, and Gracie Myers also contributed offensively and on the basepaths as Hamilton stayed aggressive throughout the contest. In the circle, Marissa Mercer pitched all seven innings for the Marines, striking out eight batters in a complete game effort. Hamilton will look to carry the momentum into their next contest as the Marines continue to close out the regular season strong.