By JOSH FRYE
News Sports Writer
The Escambia Academy Lady Cougars softball team’s hopes of putting together its first double-digit win season is still alive, even after falling to Monroe Academy three times last week.
The Lady Volunteers defeated EA 7-1 on March 26, then followed that up by sweeping a March 28 double-header by scores of 15-0 and 12-2.
“Errors cost us, but we were outplayed overall,” EA head coach Mike Sims said. “The experience of playing for actual playoff seeding will help us learn how to compete and prepare us better next time around. We are wanting to establish a successful foundation to help springboard our girls program into the fall.”
The Lady Cougars’ record stands at 8-8 after the triple setbacks.
Lexie Hollinger pitched 7 innings, giving up just 3 earned runs on 7 hits during the March 26 loss.
Kaile Gumapac led the Cougars in batting with a double and scored the lone EA run, and Julie Conway went 1 for 3 with an RBI. The team committed 3 errors that cost 4 runs.
During the March 28 matchup, Mary Thompson Lancaster went 2 for 4 at the plate and registered 2 stolen bases. Julie Conway was 2 for 5, and Kiah Parker was 1 for 4 with an RBI.
The EA girls have struggled with a fairly young team this season and continue to improve every week.
The Lady Cougars will next face Fort Dale, at 4 p.m. on April 4, and Jackson Academy at 4 p.m. on April 5. Both games are at EA.