CLERMONT, Fla. – The Lawrence University softball team struck early but couldn't keep pace with Smith College, falling 9-1 on Friday afternoon.

The Vikings wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Zoe Doherty singled and quickly moved into scoring position with a stolen base. Gillian Guerriero followed with a clutch RBI double to center field, tying the game at 1-1 and giving Lawrence early momentum.

Smith regained the lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly before breaking the game open in the fourth. Taz Tamai drove in a run with a single, and Ally Knutson followed with a two-run single to extend the lead to 5-1.

The Pioneers added to their advantage in the fifth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to score three more runs, including two unearned, to create separation.

Doherty led Lawrence with two hits and a run scored, while Guerriero drove in the Vikings' lone run. Lawrence totaled three hits in the contest.

Lillian Guidry started in the circle, working four innings with two strikeouts, and Kylan Arndt provided two innings of relief.