Lakers Explode for 34 Runs in Season-Opening Sweep at Ocean County

TOM RIVERS, N.J. – The Lakers wasted no time asserting themselves at the plate, racking up 34 runs on 27 hits across both games of their season opener at Ocean County Community College. Freshman Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) led the way with 10 hits, 6 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases, while Madison Anderson (Ashville, N.Y./Chautauqua Lake) dominated in the circle, picking up both wins and striking out 17 batters over 10 combined innings.

In game one, Madison Anderson tossed a one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts, while the Lakers' offense erupted for 17 runs on 14 hits. Anna Kurtzhalts went 5-for-5 with a triple and 3 RBIs, while Cameron Crawford (Ontario, N.Y./Wayne) and Brazen Beckwith (Wellsville, N.Y./Wellsville) each drove in multiple runs. Jenna Tyczynski (Westmoreland, N.Y./Westmoreland) and Lauren Pilon (Kendall, N.Y./Kendall) added run-scoring hits to fuel the offensive onslaught.

Game two saw another dominant performance at the plate, as Anna Kurtzhalts collected another 5-hit game, and Gia Bills (Honeoye Falls, N.Y./Honeoye Falls-Lima) and Jenna Tyczynski each drove in a pair of runs. Brazen Beckwith, Lauren Pilon, and Emma Johnson (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) all contributed key RBIs to help the Lakers complete the sweep. Sophomore Madison Anderson went the distance again, striking out 7 to secure her second win of the day.

With the victories, Finger Lakes (2-0) starts the season strong and looks to carry their momentum forward in more non-conference action this Friday, March 21st with a doubleheader against Middlesex College at 3:30 PM and 6 PM.