LAKEWOOD The bats came out in full force March 30 as the Lakewood fastpitch squad breezed to a 16-1 victory over Coupeville.
The Cougars hurt Coupeville early as Amanda Nunley led off the game with a single. Becca Bean singled behind her and after a bunt single by Kally Behen Lakewood had loaded the bases with nobody out. A single to center from Hayley Bustad scored two runs and Brienne Stewart followed up with an RBI single of her own. A passed ball scored a fourth run and Lakewood led 4-0.
The second inning produced more of the same, as Bean again singled to center and advanced to second on a throwing error. She scored on a Behen single who advanced all the way to third base during a play at the plate. Kahlee Barrio picked up Behen, singling to left and giving Lakewood an imposing 7-0 edge.
However, that would be just a warm-up, as the fireworks really came on in the third. Bustad singled to center to start the Lakewood inning. Two bunt singles again loaded the bases for Stephanie Kushner who unloaded them. Kushner corked a double to center, scoring two runners. Nunley followed with a double of her own, scoring two more. Bean crushed a single to left and Behen singled to center as the parade of runner cruised around the bases for Lakewood. Barrio singled to score Bean, then Emily Burkholder got hold of a pitch and savagely beat it into submission. By the time the ball came down over the centerfielders head two more Lakewood runs had scored.
Bean finished the game with three hits, a couple of RBIs and an overall feeling of pride.
We played great. I thought we came into this game with more focus. We met before the game to talk about how we could play better together.
The team-bonding exercise paid huge dividends as the Cougars chased Coupeville off the field with their hot bats. The game ended after five innings due to the mercy rule. It could not have come too soon for Coupeville.
Lakewood looks to continue their offensive assault April 9 against Archbishop Murphy.

at Lakewood

Coupeville 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 5
Lakewood 4 3 9 0 – 16 12 1