March 5, 2008

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Freshman Chevie Peralta-Everts hit her first collegiate home run, and junior transfer Katie Brandt had two hits and the game-winning RBI to lead the Lake Superior State softball team, which picked up a win and a loss Wednesday.

The Lakers (3-7) bounced back from an 7-1 loss to Dowling and beat the University of Mary 8-7 in eight innings. Peralta-Everts, a pinch-hitter, led off the bottom of the seventh inning and hit a solo home run. Lacey Knoop was 3-for-4 at the plate, and Nichole Dunford had two hits.

Pitcher Nikki Christensen threw a six-hitter in taking the loss. She had six strikeouts.

LSSU trailed 7-2 through four innings against Mary, then scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning and three in the sixth to tie it. While playing an international tie-breaker in the top of the eighth, Rachel Hall started on second base and eventually scored on back-to-back fielder's choice plays. Brandt was credited with the game-winning RBI.

Hall, Katie Brandt, April Brandt and Lorrie Chaperon had two hits each for the Lakers, and Knoop and Jennie Elliott had one each. Dunford scored three runs.

Elliott relieved starter Stephanie Reveley in the third inning and earned the win. Elliott allowed three runs on four hits, two strikeouts and three walks. Mary totaled 10 hits.

The Lakers play St. Joseph's (Ind.) and Wilmington (Del.) on Thursday.