March 3, 2007

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The Lake Superior State softball team defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 5-4 and lost to Lewis 7-0 Saturday during its opening day at the Rebel Spring Games.

Facing the first pitch of her collegiate career, Nichole Dunford blasted a two-run homer and helped the Lakers take a 3-0 lead over WVW in the first inning. Rachel Hall, who singled, also scored on the home run. Pinch runner Carrie Thompson scored on a single by Nikki Christensen.

LSSU also scored two runs in the sixth inning on a back-to-back doubles by Dunford and Lisa Dahm, and an RBI single by Amber Kern.

Dunford was 2-for-2 at the plate, while Dahm was 2-for-3.

Dahm also earned the win in her season debut. She pitched an eight-hitter with four strikeouts and no walks. West Virginia Wesleyan stranded two runners in the top of the seventh inning.

Lewis (3-4) out-hit LSSU 10-4. Helena Zandarski, Hall, April Brandt and Kern had one hit each for the Lakers.

LSSU pitcher Stephanie Reveley took the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits, two walks and one strikeout through 3.1 innings. Reliever Christensen allowed two runs on three hits, one walk and four strikeouts during the final 2.2 innings.

The Lakers play Southern Indiana and St. Rose on Sunday.