MARYSVILLE – Trailing by as many as seven runs, the Monarchs rallied to get within one on a pair of occasions but couldn't bring the game-tying run in as Lake Michigan College won the Great Lakes District A opener, 10-9, on Thursday (May 8). The loss sends the Monarchs to the elimination bracket where they will play in a win-or-go-home contest against Edison State—the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Co-Champions—Friday at 2 p.m.

The entirety of the Great Lakes District A Tournament will be played at Marysville City Park. The Monarchs return to Field #4 for Friday's contest.

An eight-run third inning by Lake Michigan was the difference in the opener as the Monarchs saw an early 2-0 eventually turn into a 9-2 deficit through three innings of play. The Monarchs responded with a six-run fourth but couldn't tie or regain the lead in the one-run setback.

Kailey Viviano led the Monarchs by going 3-for-4 with three doubles and driving in two runs. Raegan Hemelberg, Savanna Smith, Sydney Urban, Allison Wineski and Alexa Yaklin all hit a double as the Monarchs amassed eight two-baggers on the day.

Smith came on to pitching the final 3-plus innings and held Lake Michigan to one earned on two hits.