DU QUOIN SOFTBALL: Unearned Costly in Lady Indians' Loss

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Surrendering a pair of unearned runs, Du Quoin High School's Girls Softball team found itself on the short end of a tough 2-1 decision against Goreville Tuesday at Lefty Pyle Field.

The Lady Indians, 2-3, are scheduled to visit West Frankfort at 4:30 Wednesday.

Goreville's record is 2-0.

"All in all I thought we played a pretty good game," Du Quoin coach Jason James said. "We gave up two unearned runs but we had several opportunities for big innings but just couldn't come up with the big hit."

Du Quoin jumped ahead with its only run in the opening frame.

Kelsey Toler led off with a long double over the leftfielder's head and moved to third on Jessica Hirsch's groundout.

Ashley Hess then chased Toler home with another double.

The remaining six innings, however, proved to be a lesson in offensive frustration for the Lady Indians.

Du Quoin stranded runners in scoring position during each of the final three frames. They also had a runner picked off second base.

"We just have to be a more patient team at the plate and get pitches we can drive," James said. "We are a young team and will make some mistakes. We just have to take advantage of our opportunities."

Chelsea Hill (2-2) was again solid in the pitching circle, whiffing five and allowing just one walk. Goreville had five hits.

Toler, Hess, Kasi Camden, Megan Edwards, Heather Cavins and Michaela Brown all hit safely for the Lady Indians.

Goreville 2, Du Quoin 1

Goreville 000 110 0-2 6 1

Du Quoin100 000 0-1 6 2

Harner and Wright. Hill and Wallace. LP-Hill, 2-2. TOP HITTERS-Du Quoin: Toler 1-4 (2B), Hess 1-3 (2B, RBI), Camden 1-2, Edwards 1-3, Cavins 1-3, Brown 1-3.