The Lakeland softball team kicked off their season today by traveling to West Virginia today to play the Potomac State Catamounts. For Lakeland, it was the first time getting on a field this spring while the Catamounts came in with a 5-1 record. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the first day was a tough one as they dropped both ends of a doubleheader by the scores of 10-2 and 18-3. In game 1, Lakeland left the bases loaded in the top of the 1st inning. Natalie Phillips worked a lead off walk and stole 2nd. Carmen Alvarez then singled and stole second to put the Lakers in a good position to score runs. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that's as close as they would get in that inning. The next two batters got out before Abby Schneider walked to load the bases. Again, the Lakers came up short. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Potomac State came out swinging and didn't miss as they hit two homers to jump to a 3-0 lead after 1 inning. That trend would continue until the 5th inning as the Lakers were unable to gain offensive momentum while the Catamounts continued to score. In the 5th inning, Lakeland finally broke through. Lauryn Hawkins started things with an infield single before stealing 2nd base. Gabby Moore would then walk before both advanced on a wild pitch. Natalie Phillips then hit a ball that the Catamount infield could not handle allowing Hawkins to score. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch before Emerson Hren walked the bases loaded. Madison Ciammaichella then hit an RBI-single scoring Moore. The game ended as a Laker was thrown out at the plate on a nice play from the Catamount leftfielder.

Madison Ciammaichella went 1-1 with an RBI to lead the Lakers offensively. Lauryn Hawkins finished the game going 1-2 wih a run scored while Carmen Alvarez added a single in the Laker loss. Abby Schneider started on the mound and took the loss allowing 7 runs in 3 innings. Ciammaichella relieved and and allowed 3 runs in an inning of work.   

In game 2, Lakeland fell into an early 9-0 hole after the first inning of play. The Lakers tried to fight back in the 3rd inning as they plated 3 runs to make the score 9-3. Natalie Phillips got the Lakers going with a 1-out double. Carmen Alvarez then singled and stole 2nd base. Emalee Harala then stepped to the plate and smoked a 3-run homer to give the Lakers life. Potomac State would answer in the home half of the inning with 5 runs to effectively end the game.

Six different players recorded a hit for the Lakers. Lakeland was led by Emalee Harala and her 3-run home run. Natalie Phillips, Carmen Alvarez, Emerson Hren, Madison Ciammaichella, and Anna Farone all recorded hits in the Laker loss. Leah Richter started and allowed 16 runs (15 earned) in 3.2 innings. Abby Schneider relieved and surrendered 2 runs (1 earned) in .1 innings.

Coach Price: "Credit Potomac State they are a well coached team. It was our first time out and it showed at times. There was some positives out there and so we'll build on that and look to be improved this weekend."

Next Up: On Saturday (3/14), the Lakers will travel to Walsh University (JV) for a non-league noon doubleheader.