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Clermont, Fla. - Trailing 2-1, Lake Erie scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to earn the 3-2 (5 inn.) rain-shortened regional win over the Lewis University softball team in the Dot Richardson Spring Games at the NTC Training Center on Thursday (March 6) morning.

To open the inning, Lake Erie put runners at first and second with one out, bringing first baseman Jeniffer Gratz to the dish.

Gratz roped a single to center field that went through the legs of Lewis center fielder Dani Knaak (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook). Both runners scored on the play, giving Lake Erie the 3-2 lead. The game was called due to heavy rains upon completion of the frame. Lewis' other contest against Findlay on Thursday was also called due to inclement weather.

"When you don't make plays both mentally and physically, you're going to lose," Lewis head softball coach George DiMatteo said.

With the win, Lake Erie improves to 1-7 on the season, while the Flyers are now 4-7.

Lewis freshman reliever Chase Machain (Chicago, Ill./Trinity) took the loss for the Flyers. Machain (1-3) surrendered two runs, one earned, and two hits in 1.1 innings of work. Machain added a pinch-hit RBI single in the fourth inning for the Flyers, while Knaak accounted for two of the Flyers' six hits.

Lake Erie starting pitcher Katarina Davis earned the complete-game win for the Storm. Davis (1-2) allowed two runs and six hits in five innings.

Lewis returns to action on Saturday (March 8), as the Flyers head to St. Louis, Mo., to square off with Maryville for a 12 PM doubleheader showdown.