In a battle Tuesday between ranked high school softball teams, No. 6 (Division II) Edwardsburg struck first with its bats in a 6-4 game one win over No. 5 Lakeshore.

The Lancers, who have captured six state titles under veteran coach Denny Dock, won game two, 14-4.

In the opener, Edwardsburg jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Layne Stinnett and Kaylee Ryker each collected an RBI single in the inning, while McKenzie Creed had an RBI double.

“I thought we’d be a really good hitting team this year,” said Edwardsburg coach Randy Brooks. “I knew our offense was ahead of our defense. We came out right away and (Lakeshore) made a couple of mistakes and before you know it, it was 4-0.”

Kaley Frank’s RBI single gave the Eddies a 6-2 lead in the fourth inning.

With Lakeshore runners on second and third, Edwardsburg freshman pitcher Ali Strycker recorded a strikeout to end the game.

“I don’t think things faze her,” Brooks said about his freshman hurler. “She goes out and has fun pitching.”

Strycker had eight strikeouts and allowed six hits.

“I thought our freshman pitcher controlled their hitters and did a nice job,” Brooks said. “Lakeshore is a really good hitting team also.”

The Lancers took advantage of some poor Eddies’ defense in game two. Four Edwardsburg errors led to eight unearned runs for Lakeshore.

“On defense, we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Brooks said. “It’s early in the season. (Monday) was our first outside practice and it showed, especially in the second game.”

Edwardsburg got a solo homer from Frank in the third inning and added three runs in the fifth inning. Savannah Dixon had an RBI double and Ryker collected an RBI single.

 

 First game

Lakeshore                  011 000 2 – 4 6 2

Edwardsburg            410 100 x – 6 8 3

Haley Thibeault (L) and Becca Meyer; Ali Strycker (W) and Kaylee Ryker.

2B: Alex Forsythe (L), Hunter Thibeault (L), McKenzie Creed (E)

 

Game two

Lakeshore                  016 70 – 14 14 1

Edwardsburg            001 03 –   4   7  4

Jami Belt (W) and MacKenzie Sanders; Delaney Peters (L) and Kaylee Ryker

2B: Rachel Reidel (L), Alex Forsythe (L), Kaylee Ryker (E), Savannah Dixon (E)

HR: Haley Thibeault (L), Kaley Frank (E)

 

Varsity records

Lakeshore 2-0, Edwardsburg 2-0