The Lakeland softball team finished their weekend road swing by dropping a pair of games to the Hocking Hawks. The Lakers had opportunities in both games, but in the end, fell by the scores of 2-0 and 7-6. In the 1st game, Hocking was able to score a run in the first inning. The Lakers had runners in scoring position in 3 different innings after that, but were unable to get the timely hit. Hocking added a run late to take game 1.
The Lakers recorded 4 hits in the loss. Carmen Alvarez, Abby Schneider, Lauryn Hawkins, and Emerson Hren each picked up a hit. Abby Schneider took the tough luck loss as she pitched a complete game allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits. Schneider also struck out 3 batters.
In game 2, the Lakers fell behind 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning. In the top of the 3rd inning, Lakeland fought back and took a 2-1 lead. The scoring was started on a single from Anna Farone. Karli Cunningham was then hit by a pitch before Carmen Alvarez hit an RBI-single. Both runners advance on the throw from the outfield. Natalie Phillips then hit a fielder's choice where Cunningham was thrown out at the plate while Alvarez advanced to 3rd base. Alvarez later scored on a passed ball. The Hawks tied it at 2 in the bottom of the 4th inning before the Lakers took a 3-2 lead in the top of the 5th inning. The scoring was started when Carmen Alvarez and Natalie Phillips hit back-to-back singles. Emalee Harala would later hit an RBI-single. Hocking would score 2 runs in both the 5th and 6th innings to take a 6-3 lead. Lakeland again battled back to tie it as the Lakers scored 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning. Karli Cunningham got things going with a leadoff walk. Carmen Alvarez followed with an RBI-triple. Natalie Phillips then scored Alvarez with an RBI-fielders choice. Emalee Harala was then hit by a pitch. Abby Schneider followed with a deep single. On the play Harala was trying to score while Schneider tried to get in scoring position. Schneider was called out on the play; however, Harala scored to tie the game at 6. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the Hawks would score the winning run in the home half to complete the sweep.
Carmen Alvarez led the way with 3 hits (3B), 2 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. Lauryn Hawkins added 2 hits while Natalie Phillips, Emalee Harala, and Abby Schneider each finished with a hit and RBI. Emerson Hren (2B) and Anna Farone each chipped in a hit for the Lakers. Leah Richter took the loss pitching 6.1 innings allowing 7 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits.
Next Up: On Wednesday (3/25), the Lakers travel to Terra State to face the Titans in OCCAC action. First pitch ois scheduled for 3:00 pm.