Things were good for the first four innings as the Tigerettes hung tough in their season opener against highly touted Warren County. However, it all came crashing down in the fifth inning as the Lady Pioneers showed why they are a state contender, blitzing their border rivals 11-1.

With only two full practices under their belts going into their season opener, Coach Danny Fish knew the Lady Tigers had their work cut out for them going to McMinnville. Their delay in preparation came due to their success on the hardwood as a large number of the Tigerettes are also members of the Lady Tigers who made it to the state basketball finals – their basketball season ending six days before the beginning of softball season.

Despite the tough prospect going up against Warren County for the opener, the Lady Tigers looked sharp early with Emme Colwell going two-for-two to lead her team in hitting on the day. She also batted in the only run for the Lady Tigers with a belt in the sixth inning that brought in Joni Robinson. Megan Walker claimed the only stolen base of the day.

Meanwhile Madison Whitehead was having a good day from the circle as she hurled four scoreless innings before the bottom dropped out with Warren getting four runs in the fifth and then finishing off the game with seven in the bottom of the sixth – ending the game on the 10-point mercy rule. Whitehead, who went the whole way, had two strike outs and gave four passes with walks.

The Lady Tigers were outhit 13 to 6 during the tilt but were perfect in the field, giving up no bases on errors.

The DeKalb girls are hoping to take the next step after being eliminated in the state sections by Sweetwater after holding the lead in the state qualifier with just two innings to go. The Tigerettes claimed the district and region crowns last season.

The Tigerettes look to get things going straight when they travel play host to Watertown Thursday night, weather permitting. They will then entertain Central Magnet Monday and go to Livingston Academy Tuesday.