Heather Horton scored two runs and Linley Theroux struck out 10 and batted home two more as Nansemond River started off its season Tuesday with a 6-1 defeat of host Lakeland. In her Lady Warrior debut, Kelsei Saunders drove in Horton twice.

&uot;It was exciting, very exciting,&uot; Saunders said. &uot;I’ll hopefully continue going like I did in the following games.&uot;

Horton walked in the first, and Saunders tripled to left-center to score her. With two out in the second, Horton singled to center, and stole second. She got to third when Theroux reached on an error, and scored on a single by Saunders.

Erica Rimasse hit Theroux’s first pitch of the third down the left field line, and went to third when Katelyn Smither reached on an error. Ashley McCord grounded out to score Rimasse to cut the lead in half.

Collette Butler got the run back by scoring on a wild pitch in the fourth, and Kasie Bounds opened the sixth with a single. Shannon Andy went in to pinch-run, and Ashley Aston reached on an error. Horton dribbled a bunt up the third-base line to load the bases, and Theroux doubled Andy and Aston home. Saunders walked to re-load the bases, and Cherae Rice hit a sacrifice fly to score Horton for the final run.

From the mound for Lakeland, Lindsay Kelly struck out seven and allowed eight hits in a complete-game performance.

&uot;We needed to make a statement, because we’re coming in as a young team,&uot; said Horton. &uot;I think our younger girls stepped up. We haven’t lost to (Lakeland) in two years, and we wanted to keep that going.&uot;

The Lady Cavaliers head to Franklin today, and Oscar Smith on Friday. The Lady Warriors visit Deep Creek on Friday.

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com