Sophomore Sophie Howell fired a complete-game three-hitter and struck out nine to lead the Youngtown State softball team to a series sweep of Detroit Mercy with a 2-1 win on Friday morning at the YSU Softball Field.

The Penguins have now won three straight to improve to 12-9 overall and 3-0 in Horizon League play. The Titans fall to 0-12 overall and 0-3 in league play.

Senior Yazmine Romero went 3-for-3 with a run scored while junior Conchetta Rindaldi was 2-for-2 with two runs batted in. The duo combined for all five of the Penguins' hits in the one-run victory.

A two-run first inning was all of the offense Howell needed. Romero led off with a single and stole second. She advanced to third on a wild pitch on Alex DeLeon's walk then DeLeon stole second.

Rinaldi laced a 3-1 pitch to center field plating Romero and DeLeon with the Penguins' runs.

The Titan's lone run was a pinch-hit home run by Jaiden Lara in the top of the fifth inning.

Youngstown State visits Akron in a doubleheader, Tuesday, March 15. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. in Akron, Ohio.