The Lady Eagles struggled defensively in their season opener, losing 7-1 at Penns Valley.

“Overall we did not give up and fought for seven innings, but we failed to do little things that compounded into a five-run second inning,” Tyrone head coach Hilary Soellner said. “Moving forward, doing the little things consistently is what is needed for us to develop those winning habits and have them show on the field.”

The Lady Eagles are without their ace starting pitcher Kaitlyn Rockwell for at least the first few games of the season due to an injury.

Senior Sam Shaw stepped up to start the game and got through a scoreless first inning, but gave up a couple of big hits putting the Rams into scoring position, creating a 5–0 hole for the Lady Eagles.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Rams scored another run, making the score 6-0 going into the top of the fourth inning.

Tyrone started a rally in the top of the fourth inning with a single to right from senior Layna Dibert, who then stole second on a wild pitch. Sophomore Lucy Fogleman then drove Dibert home with a double, making the score 6-1.

But that would be all the offense Tyrone could muster against the Rams’ starting day pitcher Taylor Bumbarger.

Penns Valley got another in the bottom of the sixth inning, making the final score 7-1.

Although the Lady Eagles didn’t get the outcome they would have liked, they never lost the heart to keep going.

Head Coach Hilary Soellner was pleased with the team’s continued progress.

Junior Amariah Sprankle has a lot of hope for the upcoming season, moving forward.

“We didn’t show our full potential, but I think it was excellent that some of our JV players got playing time. They stepped up to the plate, ready to go right off the bat. I think moving forward we will show everyone how much we’ve grown from the beginning of the season,” Soellner said.