Softball Indians lose match with Trico

DU QUOIN - The Du Quoin Indians softball team was unable to defend the home turf against visiting Trico last Friday, falling 10-7 in nonconference play.

With the loss, the Indians are now 15-11 overall.

"We have to do a better job of keeping our focus and coming out excited, ready to go," said DHS head coach Jason James. "I thought we did a decent job at the plate. We hit several balls hard. We just didn't play well defensively and didn't hit our spots real well (when pitching). We have to stop giving in when we face a little adversity, We have to compete until the very last out."

Du Quoin held a 3-1 lead after two innings, but the Pioneers tallied six runs in the top of the third and added three more in the sixth for a commanding 10-3 lead. The Tribe made it interesting with their final at bat in the bottom of the seventh, scoring four runs. It wasn't quite enough,

Pitcher Chloe Hill allowed all 10 runs (eight earned) in going the distance. She was tagged for 16 hits, struck out five and walked four.

Offensively, the Indians were led by Morgan Bullar's three hits, including a double and two runs batted in. Maci McKinnies and Meryn Gross each collected two hits. Abbi Mocaby doubled and drove in a team-high three runs. Olivia Whitley, Lauren Heape and Katie Smith each donated one hit to the cause. Smith also drove in two.

Trico was led by Pierce's three hits, including a home run and two RBIs. Bastien was 3-4 with two doubles. Couch, Kelley, Gale and Titsworth all had two hits.

Du Quoin is scheduled to play host to Red Bud Wednesday.