MESA, Ariz. – The Roosevelt softball team began its spring break swing through Arizona with a doubleheader against host Benedictine Mesa, falling narrowly in two closely-contested battles.

The Lakers lost an early 2-0 lead and the opener by a final of 4-2, and despite Caitlyn Santiago's two doubles and RBI, Roosevelt was unable to rally back from an early hole in a 2-1 loss in the finale.

Emily Berni and Aisley Njissang had two hits apiece in the opener, while Kelly Farmer drove them both in during the second on a double to give the Lakers an early advantage.

The Redhawks scored a run in their half of the second and put up two in the fourth to take the lead for good.

After Benedictine tallied two in the first with the aid of an error, Roosevelt was able to cut its deficit in half when Santiago doubled home Ashlyn Kitter on a third-inning double.

Unfortunately that is all Roosevelt could muster as the Lakers stranded seven on base.

The Lakers continue their Arizona trip with games against Occidental and Dordt on Saturday as part of the Tucson Invitational.