Eagles finish in second-place at own tournament

Huron Valley Lakeland went 8-1 last week, including a runner-up finish in its own tournament, as the Eagles are keeping pace in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title race.

Lakeland (25-5) is currently 6-2 in the KLAA North, tied with Walled Lake Northern for second-place, each a game behind surprising first-place Waterford Kettering at 7-1.

Lakeland began the week with a doubleheader sweep of Huron Valley Milford at home on Monday, May 9, defeating the Mavericks 10-0 in the opener and 11-1 in the nightcap.

Selena Hicks pitched a complete game in the opener, giving up only four hits and striking out four batters.

In the second game, Kelly Merkle drove in four runs on two hits.

Lakeland then hosted Walled Lake Western for a KLAA North doubleheader on Wednesday, May 11 and swept the Warriors, winning the opener, 10-0, and taking the nightcap, 9-1.

Hicks picked up her second complete game shutout of the week in the first game, as she struck out six batters. Devan Olah scored two runs in the game.

In the second game, seniors Kelsey Johnson, Olah, Stephanie Shatzer, and Michelle Stiltner were honored in their final regular season home game.

Stiltner only pitched one inning due to arm soreness and Hicks came on in relief and picked up her second win of the day.

Johnson had three hits, including a double and a triple. Shatzer also had three hits of her own, including a double.

The Eagles then hosted the Lakeland Invitational on Saturday, May 14 and defeated Linden (9-2), Saginaw Heritage (10-1) and Farmington Hills Harrison (11-0) in pool play.

Lakeland then faced Romeo in the tournament semi-finals and was tied with the Bulldogs at 2-2 before scoring two runs to win 4-2.

Hicks pitched seven innings and struck out seven batters while also hitting an RBI. Kelsey Cleary had three hits, while Merkle added a pair of hits.

However, Lakeland would meet its match in the tournament final, as the Eagles fell to Riverview, 2-0.

Hicks pitched seven innings and gave up two unearned runs on seven hits, but the Eagles’ offense left seven runners in scoring position.

Lakeland played at Howell on Monday, May 16 after press time and will play a critical doubleheader today, Wednesday, May 18 at Waterford Kettering that will help decide the KLAA North Division title.