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• SOFTBALL

RATHDRUM — Ashley Kaufman homered and drove in five runs as the visiting Lake City Timberwolves, in their first game in 26 days, beat the Lakeland Hawks 13-4 in a nonleague softball game Thursday.

Kaufman, who finished 4 for 4, hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning and a two-run single in the fifth for Lake City (6-0). Emma Gray also homered for the T-Wolves, and Jalyssa Beamer went 2 for 2 and scored three runs.

Alaina Pruitt and Harlee See hit back-to-back homers to open the third inning for Lakeland (0-5). See and Hailey Gosch each had two hits for the Hawks.

“It was nice to get back outside with the weather finally cooperating,” said Lake City coach Jesse Lenz, whose teams first five games were played in St. George, Utah, in early March. “Ashley Kaufman had a big day at the plate, and Lakeland was really impressive with their at bats and fielding. We have things to work on, but I think we got better today and were put in situations that will help us in the future.”

Lakeland coach Colleen Bevacqua was delighted how her team played against a 5A power — particularly after a rough stretch to open the season.

Some position changes helped, she said.

“It’s been really tough because we went from being in the gym to lots of games — the games have been practice for us,” Bevacqua said. “I was really proud of how they did, especially playing an awesome team like Lake City. They did an awesome job.”

Lake City has another extended break before its next game, though not quite as long — the Timberwolves are scheduled to host Coeur d’Alene next Friday in a doubleheader to open 5A Inland Empire League play.

Lakeland is scheduled to host Moscow on Saturday in a doubleheader to open 4A IEL play.

Lake City 322 33 — 13 9 1

Lakeland 004 00 — 4 5 6

Game called after 5 innings due to 8-run rule.

Ashley Kaufman, Amanda Curry (2), Phoebe Schultz (3) and Jalyssa Beamer; Taylor Woolley and Mia O’Hara.

HITS: LC — Taylor, E. Gray, Beamer 2, Jankay, Kaufman 4. LL — Gosch 2, Pruitt, See 2. 2B — Beamer, Jankay. HR — Kaufman, E. Gray, Pruitt, See."

CDA Press