The Lakeland softball team opened up their home slate today with a doubleheader against the Terra State Titans. Lakeland battled early and dropped a 5-3 decision in game 1 before falling 12-2 in the nightcap. In game 1, the Lakers fell in an early 3-0 hole in the top of the first inning. Lakeland chipped away in the home half of the inning by scoring a run. Carmen Alvarez led off with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Alvarez would later score on an RBI-single from Emalee Harala. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Lakeland would take advantage of Titan miscues to make the score 3-2. Carmen Alvarez and Natalie Phillips would both reach on errors to start the inning. Abby Schneider later scored Alvarez on an RBI fielder's choice. Lakeland continued to battle and tied the score at 3 in the bottom of the 4th inning. Sydney Plotts got the inning going with a leadoff single. Lauryn Hawkins followed with a bunt single with both runners advancing an extra base on a throwing error. Karli Cunningham then scored Plotts with an RBI fielder's choice. Terra State answered by scoring a run in the top of the 5th for a 4-3 lead. After the Lakers were shut down for an inning, Terra added an insurance run in the top of the 6th inning. Lakeland still fought for a chance to win as they brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the 7th inning. Carmen Alvarez again singled to give the Lakers hope; but unfortunately, they were unable to get any closer.
Carmen Alvarez led the way with 3 hits and 2 runs while Sydney Plotts collected 2 hits and a run. Emalee Harala finished with a hit and RBI while Lauryn Hawkins added a hit. Abby Schneider and Karli Cunningham each recorded a RBI in the defeat. Abby Schneider pitched the complete game and took a tough luck loss allowing 5 earned runs while striking out 3 batters.
In game 2, Terra took advantage of a pair of Laker errors to take a 3-0 lead after 1 inning of play. Lakeland jumped back into the game in the bottom of the 2nd inning as they score 2 runs to make it 3-2. Natalie Phillips led off with a single to start the rally. Lauryn Hawkins followed with a 1-out triple to score Phillips. Hawkins would then score on an RBI fielder's choice from Leah Richter. Terra then took advantage of a walk and an error to score 3 runs in the 3rd inning and the Lakers would never recover.
Lauryn Hawkins led the way with a hit (triple) and RBI while Natalie Phillips, Emalee Harala, and Sydney Plotts each recorded hits. Leah Richter added an RBI in the loss. Richter also started on the mound and took the loss as she threw 3 innings and allowed 6 runs (5 earned run) on 8 hits. Madison Ciamiachella relieved and pitched 2 innings allowing 6 runs (4 earned).
Next Up: The Lakers will hit the road again next Wednesday (4/1) when they travel to Piqua, OH to face the Edison State Chargers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
