Lyle/Pacelli All-State pitcher Amy Bickler faced three batters more than the minumum in the season-opening Southeast Conference doubleheader, dousing Mabel-Canton in a two-game sweep Tuesday at Todd Park.

Bickler struck out 23 of the 33 batters she faced over 10 total innings. Both games, because of the 10-run rule, were shortened to five innings. Lyle/Pacelli posted a 14-0 victory in the first game and an 11-0 rout in the nightcap.

The only hit Bickler allowed in the first game was to Mabel-Canton’s first batter, and the Cougars again got just one hit in the second game. Bickler’s only walk issued came in game two.

L/P’s bats bounced out 16 hits in the season-opening doubleheader, led by Louise Mudra and Bickler. Mudra was 5-for-7 in the twinbill, while Bickler finished the day 5-6 with three doubles. Lyle/Pacelli was also the beneficiary of 20 walks issued by the Mabel-Canton pitching staff.

Brianna Enfield tallied a run-scoring triple in the second game, in which L/P tallied 11 runs on 10 hits. Susie Rayman added a 2-3 plate performance.

&uot;I’m really happy with the way the girls played for the first games of a new season,&uot; said L/P coach Tom Clements. &uot;At the beginning of a new year you kind of wonder how you’re going to do, and they really responded well.

&uot;All the girls know their role on the team. It’s neat to see them coming together.&uot;

Lyle/Pacelli, the defending Class A state runner-up, next plays at Rushford-Peterson Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.