Box Score (HTML) / Box Score (PDF)

Las Vegas, Nev. - The 2012 season for the Lewis University softball team started off on the wrong note, as the Flyers dropped a 5-3 decision at the hands of California Baptist in the opening game of the Montana State-Billings Desert Stinger Tournament at Majestic Park on Friday (Feb. 10) afternoon.

The Lancers touched Flyer starting pitcher Karissa Habel (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) for five earned runs in three innings of work. CBU designated player Kailey Willingham (2-for-2, 3 RBI, run) provided the deciding blow for the Lancers, as she connected for a three-run homer off of Habel (0-1) in the third inning.

With the victory, California Baptist improves to 3-0 on the season, while Lewis drops to 0-1 on the campaign.

The Flyers were unable to take advantage of nine walks issued by CBU pitcher Emma Holden (2-0). Holden countered her 'wildness' with 11 strikeouts, allowing six hits and three unearned runs in the complete-game victory.

Lewis junior right fielder Lauren Hanford (Morris, Ill./Morris) (Morris, Ill./Morris) provided the offensive fireworks for the Flyers as she went 2-for-2, including a bases-loaded triple in the fifth inning.

Lewis freshman pitcher Kelly Bowler (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) (Lockport, Ill./Lockport) tossed three innings of one-hit, scoreless relief in her collegiate debut, while striking out three batters.

Lewis gets right back on the diamond, as the Flyers will take on Academy of Art later today at 4:30 p.m. (PST).