POULSBO — By the fifth inning of the preseason varsity baseball game March 12, the Kennedy Catholic Lancers were doing what they could to save face against the North Kitsap Vikings.

Despite their efforts, the Lancers lost to the Vikings 15-1 at North Kitsap.

It was a good way to kickoff the 2013 spring season, Vikings head coach Jeff Weible said.

“I was happy with the way they performed,” Weible said.

The Vikings won via the mercy rule, scoring seven points in the bottom of the fifth, ending the game. The Lancers got their single run in the top of the fifth.

North Kitsap pitcher Shane Crowell struck out six batters.

The Viking pitching staff looks to be one of the best in years. Starters include Crowell, AJ Milyard and Ben Tamm. Andrew Hecker, an outfielder, is also a potential pitcher; if needed. Weible said if a high school team has two talented pitchers it gives them a good chance to be successful.

The Vikings varsity program will look to win its fifth straight Olympic League title.

Though catching was questionable, Weible said there aren’t many glaring weaknesses in the team this season. There are a lot of returning starters from last season’s team.

North Kitsap against Kennedy Catholic March 12

Kennedy 000 10 XX — 1

NK 215 7X — 15

Battery — NK: Shane Crowell, AJ Milyard. Kennedy: Dominic Peretti, Matt Hisken. W: Crowell. L: Peretti.

Hitting — NK: Gracey, Hit, Run, 2 RBI; Ekin, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 2 RBI; Milyard, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 2 RBI; Crowell, RBI; Tamm, 2 Runs, Hit, RBI; Fisher, 2 Runs, Hit, RBI; Bratlien, 2 Runs; Teising, RBI; Lemmon, 3 Runs, Hit, RBI; Hecker, 2 Runs, Hit, 2 RBI.