March 2, 2008

OCOEE, Fla. - Lake Superior State came from behind to win Game 1 of its season-opening softball double-header against Winona State, 7-5, on Saturday, but the Lakers' comeback rally ended one run short in a 14-13 Game 2 loss.

LSSU, which fell behind 5-0 in the first two innings of the first game, scored three runs in the fourth inning and four in the seventh to pull out the victory. Rachel Hall tied the game, 5-5, with a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning. Two batters later, Katie Brandt hit a two-run single to decide the game.

Hall, Brandt and Amber Kern had two hits each, and Jennie Elliott had one in the opener. Hall tripled and Brandt homered in the fourth inning.

Nikki Christensen went the distance in her first game, giving up five runs on six hits, no walks and two strikeouts. Three runs were earned.

LSSU chipped away at a nine-run deficit during the final four innings of Game 2, but came up one run short. The Lakers out-hit Winona State 14-11 in the nightcap.

Lacey Knoop was 3-for-3 and Hall was 3-for-5 to lead LSSU at the plate. Nichole Dunford, Kern and Helena Zandarski added two hits each. Christensen hit a home run.

LSSU plays Grand Valley State and Assumption today.