NILES — Two-time defending state champion Lakeshore showed why the Lancers are among the favorites to repeat following their sweep of host Niles Tuesday.

Lakeshore defeated the Vikings 7-0 and 5-3 in SMAC West Division action.

Matt DeFay tossed a two-hitter against Niles in the opening game with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Cole Simpson, who took the loss, and Trey Knight singled for Niles’ only hits of the game.

Lakeshore scored in four of the first five innings to open up a 5-1 lead on the Vikings, who scored twice in the bottom of the fifth but could not overcome the early deficit.

Oli Carmody worked the first five innings for the Lancers, allowing three runs on seven hits with a pair of strikeouts.

Jaidyn Morris worked the final two innings to earn the save.

Kyle Beckwith started and suffered the loss for the Vikings, who also sent Kade Wagley to the mound.

Niles outhit Lakeshore 8-4 in the nightcap.

Simpson was 2-for-4 with a double, while Jadon Hainey was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Niles also got an RBI double from Cade Vota.

The Vikings are right back to work today as they host Edwardsburg in a non-divisional doubleheader.