CLERMONT, Florida -- The Lake Erie softball team competed in THE Spring Games this week in Clermont, Florida. Although, the Storm did not come away with a win, there were lots of things to be excited about as they begin conference competition soon.

Week Recap

The Storm took on 10 different opponents this week, facing teams from all over the country, ranging from nearby Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to as far away as Lacey, Washington.

Over the weekend, pitching remained a focal point as the incoming freshmen continued to gain experience at the NCAA Division II level. Although the staff faced some challenges in limiting their opponents' scoring, they showed noticeable improvements. One of the biggest strides came in their ability to keep the ball in the park—after allowing 11 home runs in their first 10 games, the Storm did not surrender a single homer this week. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making small but meaningful improvements each day.

On the offensive side, the team demonstrated relentless effort and resilience throughout the week. Even when facing deficits, they refused to back down, continuing to battle at the plate and put pressure on opposing pitchers. Among the standout performers were Peyton Powers and Emma Spahr, both of whom played key roles in keeping the Storm competitive.

Peyton Powers - Powers was unstoppable this week, setting the tone as the Storm's leadoff hitter. She went 16-for-31 (.516) with five doubles, showcasing her consistency at the plate. Currently, she ranks second in the G-MAC with a .442 batting average and sixth with a 1.046 OPS. With conference play beginning next week, Powers will be a key factor in the Storm's offensive success.

Emma Spahr -  After a standout season as the Storm's top player last year, Spahr got off to a slow start, hitting just 4-for-25 (.160) in the team's first 10 games. However, she found her rhythm this week, going 10-for-27 (.370) with three doubles, a triple, and five RBIs.

With many new faces on the team this year, a couple of freshman have made their presence known early on.

Sydney Taylor - Holding down the No. 2 spot in the lineup, Taylor has quickly proven why she belongs there. Even as a freshman, she possesses an elite batter's eye, rarely chasing pitches outside the zone and demonstrating exceptional plate discipline. Positioned between Powers and Spahr, she plays a key role in making pitchers work and keeping them uncomfortable.

While she currently leads the team in walks, there's still room for growth at the plate, as she holds a .186 batting average. However, once she finds her rhythm, Taylor is poised to become a crucial piece of the Storm's offense this season.

Madi Eckert - Aside from Spahr, Eckert has shown the most promise defensively, emerging as one of the team's top fielders. Her range and smooth glove work have earned her the starting shortstop role as a freshman. While her bat is still coming along, having a reliable defensive presence at shortstop is a luxury the Storm won't take for granted.


Looking Ahead
With 20 games under their belt to prepare for conference play, the Storm will kick off G-MAC competition with a double header against Ashland on Tuesday, March 18th on the road. The games are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.