MIDLAND, Mich. - Lake Superior State softball closed the weekend hosting Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponent Walsh on Saturday (April 16) at Fisher Stadium on the Campus of Northwood University. LSSU won the first game 5-4, a 10-inning affair, in walk-off fashion before falling by the same score against Walsh in the finale.
The Lakers (5-29, 1-17 GLIAC) scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game 2-2. Lindsey Pajot opened the scoring with a double to left center to score Teryn Williams from second base. Williams reached on a one-out double in the previous at bat. Carly Banchiu followed Pajot with a single to center field that scored sophomore left fielder and tie the game.
In the top of the ninth inning Alaina Manor reached first on an error during her sacrifice bunt attempt and scored Abby Reusser from second base to put the Cavaliers (18-21, 9-9 GLIAC) ahead 3-2. LSSU freshman outfielder Jenna Holt (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) drove in designated player Alyssa Boucher to extend the game to 10 innings.
Walsh took a 4-3 lead after the top of the 10th inning, but once again the Lakers responded. Pajot drove in Taylor Steinhelper for her second RBI of the game to tie the score at 4-4. Following a walk by Banchiu to load the bases and the first out of the inning, Boucher delivered the sacrifice fly to center field to score the game-winning run.
Sophomore pitcher Riley Durbano (W, 3-10) pitched the complete game allowing just two earned runs on 12 hits, while striking out five.
Game 2
The Cavaliers scored four runs to open the second game and take a 4-0 lead into the second frame. The Lakers tied the game at four runs each during the top of the second, a half inning later.
With the bases loaded in the top of the second, Steinhelper walked to score Holt and following a fielder's choice and interference call on an LSSU base runner, Pajot came to the plate with the bases loaded. Pajot delivered a two RBI single to score Steinhelper and Kelsey Mader. Banchiu followed Pajot with an RBI single to left field in the next at bat to tie the game 4-4.
The Lakers had a chance to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning after a double by Banchiu, single by Boucher, and walk from Kylie Durre loaded the bases with one out. Olivia Pifer (W, 10-10) picked up an infield pop out and finished with a strikeout to close the door on the Lakers' bid to tie the game.
Freshman Alyssa Thayer (L, 1-9) was tagged with the loss despite a strong showing, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and striking out five batters through six innings.
The Lakers travel to Grand Valley State on Tuesday (April 19) for games at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.