LAKEVILLE - With a strong 1-2-3 punch at the top of their order, the LaVille softball team trounched Culver Academy 27-0 to open the 2026 high school softball season. Senior Faith Mejer came through with clutch hitting, driving in four runs on four hits. She picked up a huge two-run home run on a right center field blast. Mejer also added two doubles. Sophomore Grace McBride also added four hits from the lead-off position, Senior Lexis Owens also was clutch, driving in five runs and two triples. After a three up and three down in the top of the first inning for the Culver Academy Eagles, LaVille sent 17 batters to the plate and exploded for 13 runs and never looked back. "For the first game of the season they played well," said LaVille softball coach Garrett McBride. "We took care of the ball defensively, had consistent offense and great pitching." Speaking of pitching, freshman Lauren Hobkirk and classmate Savannah Wagner combined for the shutout and no-hitter. Hobkirk pitched four strong innings, striking out eight and walking none. Wagner came on to work the final inning in relief, striking two batters and walking none. Coach McBride's crew scored in every inning, using 19 hits and 16 walks, to win its first game of the season for the first time since 2014. MaKenna Christy and Lexi McQueen each collected multiple hits for the Lancers. "Faith, Grace, Lexis Owens provided some serious offense at the top and MaKenna Christy along with other freshmen kept things rolling," said McBride. "This is an amazing start. Quick reassurance that their work is worth it. We have some tough games ahead so it was great to get a win out of the gate and find some things we will need to improve on to increase our competitiveness. " LHS will take a 1-0 record into the April 9 game against Culver Community. The game will be played at Newton Park with the first pitch scheduled for 5:30pm. LaVille 27, Culver Academy 0 At Newton Park CGA 000 00 - 0 0 4 LaVille (13)38 3x - 27 18 0