For the Ashland University softball team, the team was able to split a two-game series against the Grand Valley State Lakers, who were ranked eighth in the country, this past Sunday. The Eagles took the first game 4-3, while the second game was a different story, however, when the Eagles fell 14-6.

The win for the Eagles in the first game of the two, was the first conference loss for the Lakers this season. Therefore, for the second year in a row, the Eagles were able to give the nationally-ranked Lakers their first loss in conference play.

Sophomore pitcher Laney Jones was credited with the win, due to a complete 12-inning game where she only allowed nine total hits. With the win, Jones moves to 7-4 on the season, and picks up a win over the Lakers for just the second time in two seasons.

“Laney really beared down,” head coach Emlyn Knerem said. “She pitched a really, really good game and stayed strong for 12 innings.”

On the offensive side of the field, senior first baseman Kylie Asmus was able to get three hits with five at-bats and was able to get two runs batted in for the Eagles. Junior second baseman Camille Pollutro was also able to get one run batted in, and go one for four at the plate.

The second game was a different story for the Eagles, as they were unable to hang in with the Lakers for a majority of the ballgame, losing 14-6.

The Lakers came out firing early, scoring five runs in two innings against the three runs of Ashland. The Lakers continued the terrific offense, scoring at least one run in five of the six innings.

According to head coach Emlyn Knerem, one of the main factors that affected the Eagles were the six errors that were allowed defensively.

“We just had more errors,” coach Knerem said. “We know that we can play with anybody. It’s just a matter of not beating ourselves.”

The Eagles now cast their gaze to Wednesday, Mar. 27th, when they host another nationally-ranked team, fifteenth – ranked Wayne State (19-6, 2-2 GLIAC), at Brookside Park with the first pitch at three pm.