SANDPOINT — Kristin Klopatek tossed a two-hit gem, striking out 12 and leading Lakeland to a 2-0 win over Sandpoint in the 4A Inland Empire League opener for both teams Tuesday at Sandpoint High School’s brand new field.

Erin Ogden and Bekah Kastning each had an RBI in the second inning, providing the winning margin for the Hawks (5-3, 1-0 4A IEL) in a pitcher’s duel.

“She was hitting her spots and driving hard off the mound,” said Hawks coach Colleen Bevacqua. “She was able to keep Sandpoint off balance.”

Casey Bottomley was sharp for the Bulldogs (1-4, 0-1 4A IEL) in defeat, going the distance and allowing just six hits while striking out eight.

“Casey pitched a hell of a game,” said Bulldogs coach Derek Dickinson. “She was nailing her spots.”

Dickenson called it his team’s best defensive effort of the season, praising the catching off Jessica Strickland, who gunned down two would be base stealers. Jacey Lawson also made a nice play in the field.

Strickland laced a double ad Mamie Mitchell a single for the Bulldogs’ only two hits. The game served notice that Sandpoint will be a player in the district tournament.

The Bulldogs travel to Moscow on Saturday for a big league doubleheader.

Sandpoint 002 000 0 — 2   6   2

Lakeland   000 000 0 — 0   2   0

Kristin Klopatek and Tifani Schorzman; Casey Bottomley and Jessica Strickland. W — Klopatek. L — Bottomley (1-4).

Hits: LL — Schwalbach, Kastning, Ogden, Schorzman 2, Rebal. Spt — Strickland, Mitchell. 2B — Strickland.