Kirscher, Givens lead Bulldogs over Hawks

RATHDRUM — Maggie Kirscher blasted her fourth home run of the season, and Molly Givens struck out five during a complete game to lead Sandpoint to a 7-6 win over Lakeland in the opener of a 4A Inland Empire League softball doubleheader Tuesday at Lakeland High School.

Kirscher had three hits in the win for Sandpoint (4-11, 1-3 4A IEL), and Jeri St. Sauver had a two RBI double as the team soaked in a message delivered by head coach Derek Dickinson prior to the Lakeland games.

“The girls battled and played relaxed,” he said. “We’ve been uptight, waiting for the next mistake, and today we played more instinctive.”

Kym DaVault pitched a solid game in the nightcap, holding Lakeland (10-7, 5-1 4A IEL) to just three runs in a 3-2 loss cut short an inning by darkness. Down 3-0, the Bulldogs made it interesting in the sixth when Rachel Hammack tripled and scored on Molly Givens’ sacrifice fly, and Maggie Kirscher singled and scored on an error. The potential tying run was thrown out at home, as the Bulldogs played arguably their best softball of the season.

Sandpoint plays at Lake City today.

FIRST GAME

Sandpoint 104 200 0 — 7  8  2

Lakeland  100 005 0 — 6  8  2

Molly Givens and Rachel Hammack; Ashley Metcalf, Jamie Klopatek (3) and Alia Cox. W — Givens (3-4). L — Metcalf (4-3).

HITS: Spt — Hamilton 2, Hammack, Kirscher 3, Givens, St. Sauvor. LL — Watson, Grubham 3, Thomas, Cox, Metcalf, Westling. 2B — Cox, Grubham. HR — Kirscher, Westling.

SECOND GAME

Sandpoint 000 002 — 2  6  1

Lakeland  020 010 — 3  8  5

Game called after 6 innings.

Kym DaVault and Hammack; Ashley Metcalf, Jamie Klopatek (6) and Alia Cox. W — Metcalf (5-3). L — DaVault (1-6).

HITS: Spt — Hammack 2, Kirscher, St. Savvor 2, Elsfelder. LL — Watson 2, Grubham, Thomas 2, Cox, Metcalf, Kastning. 2B — Hammack, Grubham, Cox. 3B — Hammack, Thomas.