The Lady Saints undefeated start was brought to an end Thursday with the go-ahead run at the plate as DeKalb Middle fell to Warren County, 6-3.

“They were the best team we’ve played this season but we had our opportunities to win,” said Lady Saint Coach Sarah Jacobs, noting the Lady Saints had the bases loaded in their final at-bat but failed to convert with their final two batters striking out.

The Lady Saints found themselves in an early 5-2 hole which they were unable to climb out of. Despite stepping up their defensive game, they were unable to mount a significant offense until the final inning. As normal, Bri Murphy was pitching from the circle and was able to shut down the Lady Pioneers after some early issues. The Lady Saints were also gifted in the top of the fourth with a running error which led to a tag out at third to end what could have been a problematic inning.

The Warren County loss came after the Lady Saints had pushed their record to 8-0 earlier in the week by hammering Livingston 14-3 and then run-ruling Winfree Bryant 14-1 with the game being stopped after just two innings.

Coach Jacobs pointed out there is no post season in middle school softball so it is all about the regular season. She said she is proud of the performance by the girls thus far. She praised her pitcher, Bri Murphy who has been fanning opposing batters. “Murphy has been a great seventh grader,” she said, noting the team has returned a lot of key players from their 9-3 team from a year ago. “We have a lot of veteran players coming back with a lot of key leadership.”

Coach Jacobs pointed to Morgan Walker. “She has been a spark in the leadoff spot,” she said. “Maddi Martin has shown a lot of improvement from last season and is the starting first baseman now.”

The coach also had high praise for Aly Griffith and A.J. Farler. “Aly Griffith has been a lock third baseman and A.J. Farler moving from left field to catcher has been a good move.”