The Lakeland softball team hosted the Cuyahoga Community College Triceratops today and dropped both ends of the doubleheader by the scores of 13-5 and 10-0. Defensively, the play didn't go the Lakers way in game 1 as they were unable to come up with some key defensive plays that led to extended innings for the Lakers as Tri-C took advantage. Lakeland got into an early hole and were just unable to climb out of it. Trailing 4-0, the Lakers pushed across 2 runs in the 3rd inning when Samantha Toke reached on an error. Later in the inning, Catherine Heckman singled before Astianna Coppes hit a ball to right that the fielder could not handle as both runners scored. Tri-C would continue to extend their lead until the Lakers made one last run in the bottom of the 6th inning. In the 6th, Micaha Marbury hit a leadoff double. Marbury would later score on an RBI-single from Megan Szczecinski. Samantha Toke would follow that up with a single and both runners advanced on a fielder's choice from Gina Grandini. Tatianna Matuz then delivered a 2-RBI single for the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers could do no more in dropping game one. Tatianna Matuz went 2-4 and had 2 RBI's while Megan Szczecinski finished 2-3 with an RBI. Catherine Heckman collected a pair of hits while Astianna Coppes, Kennedy Danna, Micaha Marbury, and Samantha Toke each picked up a hit in the loss. Faith Hartman took the loss on the mound.
The Lakers had a difficult start in game 2 as the Triceratops took advantage of several walks to jump out to an early 8-0 lead. Lakeland was never able to get back in the game as they were unable to string hits together. Samantha Toke went 2-2 (2B, 1B) for the Lakers while Gina Grandini, Catherine Heckman, Astianna Coppes, Micaha Marbury, and Lily Seay each added a hit in the defeat. Lily Seay took the loss on the mound.
Next Up: On Tuesday, the Lakers will play host to the Owens Express in a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
