The Lakeland softball team has had a tough start to the season. Games over break were cancelled when teams pulled out and then their opening league games were also postponed due to weather. Lakeland was finally able to take the field today and ran into a team that's already been able to play some games. The result was dropping two games to the Cuyahoga Triceratops by the scores of 8-0 and 13-5. In game 1, the Lakers struggled to get the offense going as they were no-hit. They did have a runner on in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th innings, but were unable to string some hits together to put pressure on Tri-C. Peyton Trick took the tough luck loss on the mound as she started and threw 3 innings and allowed 5 runs (1 earned). Leah Richter relieved and allowed 3 earned runs over 1.1 innings.

In game 2, the Lakers got off to a better start as they took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Carmen Alvarez started the game with a leadoff single. Peyton Trick followed with a single before Abby Haydu blasted a 3-run homerun. Tri-C would tie the game in the home half of the inning as they took advantage of 3 walks. Lakeland would leave 2 runners on base in both the 2nd and 3rd innings while Cuyahoga was able to pad their lead to 8-3 after 3 innings. In the top of the 4th inning, Lakeland fought back and scored to runs to make the score 8-5. Lauryn Hawkins had a 1-out single before scoring on an RBI-double from Alvarez. Trick would then score Alvarez on an RBI-single. Unfortunately for Lakeland, they would not be able to tack on any more runs as they fell in the nightcap.

Carmen Alvarez led the Lakers on offense going 3-4 (2 doubles) with an RBI while Peyton Trick also added 3 hits (double) and an RBI. Abby Haydu went 2-3 (HR) with 3 RBI's while Lauryn Hawkins went 2-3 with an RBI.  Leah Richter also picked up a hit for the Lakers. Madison Ciammaichella took the loss on the mound as she was charged with allowing 6 runs (5 earned) over 3 innings of work. Abby Schneider relieved and pitched 2 innings allowing 6 runs on 5 hits while striking out 3 batters. 

Next Up: On Friday (3/21), the Lakers are scheduled to travel to Perrysburg, OH to face the Owens Express. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.