ROSEMONT, Ill. – The No. 24 Grand Valley State Lakers had their first game of the season canceled by COVID-19 protocols, but didn't let that faze them as they trounced Illinois-Springfield, 9-2, Saturday (Feb. 20) in what was supposed to be their second game of the day to start the season 1-0.
 
The Lakers wasted no time showcasing their potent offense, rattling off four first-inning runs. Taylor Rieger blasted a two-run home run and Nikoma Holmen added a solo shot to set the tone early. Later in the inning, Brooke Henning stole a base then scored on a throwing error.
 
After the Prairie Stars used a two-run double to slash the Laker lead in half in the fourth, Lydia Goble singled home a run then scored on a Henning double to answer the Illinois-Springfield runs. The Lakers would add three runs in the seventh for good measure with Hannah Hollister and Joanna Cirrincione each drawing walks with the bases loaded for their first RBI of the season.
 
Hannah Beatus (1-0) got the win in the circle for the Lakers, hurling five innings and allowing two runs on six hits while striking out five. Ashley Platek allowed a hit but faced the minimum in two innings of relief, picking up a strikeout.
 
The Lakers get an early start to their second day of the Lewis Dome Tournament with games against William Jewell at 9 AM and Hillsdale at 11 AM on Sunday. There will be no live coverage of the games but @GVSUSoftball will have updates on social media following the games.