Itasca — High winds, loose sand and small boulders added to an uphill battle experienced by the Lady Gladiators while trying to conquer Itasca’s Lady Wampus Cats who made the most of their home field advantage.

Defensively, the strong winds made fielding pop flies difficult although center fielder Kelsey Nelson and left fielder Britney Chambers each made spectacular catches for Italy. Infielders April Lusk, Bailey Eubank and Ashlyn Jacinto were able to catch popups, as well, despite the swirling sands.

Offensively, Italy’s suffered 15 strikeouts in the district opener which proved too much to overcome with Itasca putting up 11 runs to just 2 runs by the Lady Gladiators. Tara Wallis showed guts pitching the distance despite pulling a muscle in her arm during the first-inning but it was Itasca who ultimately got the glory.

Senior catcher Paige Westbrook kept Wallis motivated by visiting the mound on a couple of occasions and, as a team, the Lady Gladiators stuck together while seeing it thru to the final out.

Lusk was a weapon as lead-off hitter after turning a pair of bunts into base hits and stole second-base late in the contest as well. Chambers perfectly placed a bunt down the third-base line to reach first-base also. Lillie Perry, Eubank and Wallis did earn walks while Paige Westbrook, Nelson, Cassidy Childers, Hannah Washington and big sis Madison Washington were able to make contact. It was a blast by Kelsey Nelson that scored the two runs for Italy.

Overall, Italy made several great plays but just couldn’t sustain any momentum. Assistant coach Michael Chambers summed it up by saying, “If a couple of plays had gone our way the results would be different.”

It just wasn’t Italy’s day but there is still plenty of softball left in the season and plenty of chances for the Lady Gladiators to turn things around.

The Lady Gladiators will try again on Friday, March 21, starting at 7:00 p.m. at home against the Frost Lady Polar Bears.

Go Lady Gladiators!

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