Lakers sweep Findlay during home twinbill

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State's defense worked its way out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning and stranded Findlay base runners on third in the first and sixth innings, and LSSU left fielder Brittany Cousino made a diving catch in the seventh to protect sophomore pitcher Jillian Willette's shutout during the opening game of Sunday's softball double-header at Kaunisto Field.

Willette (4-9) tossed a seven-hitter with six walks and two strikeouts as the Lakers beat Findlay 5-0. Freshman pitcher Christine Larkin pitched a four-hitter with one walk and three strikeouts as the Lakers won the nightcap, 14-1, in five innings. It was Larkin's second win in as many days and she improved to 2-10 for the season.

Nichole Dunford was 2-for-4 with a double, and Lorrie Chaperon was 1-for-4 with a double in the first game. Nicole Carstensen was also 2-for-4 with an RBI single.

LSSU (8-28 overall, 3-11 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) pounded out 12 hits in the second game. Willette blasted a three-run homer to give the Lakers an 8-0 lead in the third inning. Ronlea Peterson was 2-for-4 with a triple, while Lacey Knoop had a two-run double. Larken was 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI. Chaperon and Amber Kern added two hits each, and Carstensen had one.

Findlay dropped to 14-28 overall and 3-15 in the GLIAC.

The Lakers play host to Ferris State at 3 p.m. Monday at Kaunisto Field.