Roadrunner softball coach Steve DePasquale likes how his team is positioned as they prepare for the start of the NJCAA Region XIX playoffs as the likely No. 1 seed on May 14 on their home turf.

The proof that the Runners will be the tourney favorites continued to play out on Thursday as RCSJ-Gloucester traveled up to Central Jersey to once again meet a familiar rival -- Division II power Mercer County Community College.

Catcher Macenzie Long enjoyed a huge day, with six hits in 7 at bats -- driving in 6 runs in Game 1 -- as the No. 4 nationally ranked Roadrunners split with Mercer CCC. The Runners won Game 1 by a 7-4 score and dropped the nightcap, 8-4.

A sweep was easily in plain sight in Game 2 as the two teams were tied 3-3 in the sixth inning before the Vikings pulled away with a late rally. The Runners threatened in the seventh with one run, and were gunning for the lead when a titanic blast by Torri London with the bases loaded was hauled in at the fence to end the comeback bid.

"We've won five out of six games against Mercer County, and that's amazing since they are a top-tier program," said Coach Steve DePasquale. "Our success against Division II teams like Mercer and Delaware Tech will help us entering our own Region XIX playoffs next week."

Also chipping in offensively were the usual contributors -- Kamryn Kennedy, Brooke Cooper, London and Emily MacGibeny. Along with Macenzie Long's breakout performance, the foursome helped the Runners build a 6-0 lead in Game 1, a lead they did not relinquish.

Freshman hurler Lacey Abrego scattered three hits and four runs to pick up the win in Game 1 and raise her season record to 11-2. Sabrina Finneran earned the save with two solid innings of relief in Game 1.

DePasquale's team will clash with another top DII rival in County College of Morris on the road Saturday in a 12 pm start.

Seedings and matchups for the Region XIX D-III playoffs will be held early next week in advance of the Final Four Championship Tournament at RCSJ May 14-15.