Laker Drop Season Opener to Non-Region Opponent

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College softball team opened their 2024 campaign at home against non-region foe Northampton Community College. The Lakers would struggle in their season opener as they dropped both games of the doubleheader to the visiting Spartans, 13-5 and 16-2.

Freshman Joelle Jay (Macedon, N.Y./Victor) stood out as a key player for the Lakers, delivering a powerful performance at the plate. Jay not only secured two hits, including both a double and a triple but also drove in a run. Sophomore Aubrey Roberts (Cobleskill, N.Y./Cobleskill Richmondville) led by example as one of the Lakers two returning sophomores, driving in three of the team's five runs. Roberts would secure two hits and add a stolen base to her tally. Fellow sophomore Natalie Lecceardone (Manchester, N.Y./Red Jacket) demonstrated patience, reaching base with two walks and driving in a run.

Freshman Kelsey Payne (Waterloo, N.Y./Waterloo) and Sarah Makitra (Bath, N.Y./Haverling) provided sparks at the top of the order, with Payne reaching base and scoring, and Makitra coming in as a pinch runner for the Lakers. In the circle, Madison Anderson (Ashville, N.Y./Chautauqua Lake) faced a tough lineup and struck out four batters over six innings of work.

In game two, Joelle Jay continued to shine as a key player for the Lakers, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Jay established her spot in the lineup as a consistent power hitter for the Lakers, delivering in key moments and contributing to one of the team's two runs. Teammates Aubrey Roberts and Natalie Lecceardone each added a hit, with Lecceardone scoring a run. Roberts would put her speed on display, stealing her second base of the day. Kelsey Payne who took responsibilities both behind the plate and on the mound, reached base in two of her three plate appearances, including a hit and a walk, and scored a run. 

The Lakers will look to get back in rhythm for a doubleheader today against the Lazers of Onondaga Community College at 12 PM and 2 PM on Lazer Field.