Lakers Drop Game One to Thunderwolves, Rain Prevails in Second

By Alex Pagliano

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes Community College softball team dropped the first of two games with Niagara County Community College on Tuesday. The Lakers fell 2-0 in the first game; the second game was postponed in the top of the third inning with the Lakers leading, 2-0. After the results of the first game, the Lakers fell to 5-12, while the Thunderwolves move to 6-5.

In game one, Rachel Mertens gave up two earned runs over seven innings pitched. The Syracuse, N.Y. native struck out a career-high 10 batters, while only walking one batter. Despite her record, Mertens has had a strong season on the mound, ranking 11th in the NJCAA with 59 strikeouts, and 27th in earned run average (3.19).

The Lakers nearly battled back in the bottom half of the seventh inning. After a Tamara Robertson fly-out, pinch-hitter Brittany Davis walked. Freshman Elaina Evinsky would re-enter for Davis on the bases, while the contest's next batter, Katie Plummer, struck out swinging. With two outs, Taylor Briggs hit a double into left-center field that advanced Evinsky to third base. With two teammates in scoring position, Kelly Kier would ground out to the second baseman to end the game.

Mertens, Robertson, Plummer, Briggs, and Cassidy Smyers finished the game with a hit apiece.

In the nightcap, the Lakers took an early 2-0 first inning lead. Evinsky had thrown two scoreless innings, but her progress in the top of the third inning was interrupted by rain. After a brief delay, the field was determined to be in an unplayable state; therefore the game was postponed.

The second game, upon further comment, will not be made up.

The Lakers will travel to Jamestown, N.Y. to square off with Jamestown Community College today. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled to be tossed at 3p.m.