Defensive mishaps cost Sikeston in loss to Saxony Lutheran

SIKESTON — In the early stages of the season, the Sikeston softball team has experienced some bumps in the road, as defensive woes have plagued the team’s performance, hindering its ability to fully capitalize on its potential.

That trend continued for the Lady Bulldogs (1-2) in an 11-1 loss to the Saxony Lutheran Crusaders (3-3) on Wednesday, September 6 at the Sports Complex.

“Overall, our defense needs to be better,” said Sikeston coach Allison Conder. “That’s something we work on every practice and in certain aspects it’s improving but there are still little things that we can be better at. We had a couple of solid innings of defense that I was proud of and that’s what we need to focus on moving forward.”

Sikeston's Chloe Hamby (0) throws a pitch during an 11-1 loss to Saxony Lutheran at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Despite a promising start with two quick outs, Sikeston’s defensive struggles became evident when an error allowed Saxony Lutheran to reach base. This was followed by a single that resulted in an early run and a 1-0 lead for Crusaders.

The defensive issues continued for the Lady Bulldogs in the second inning, as another error allowed Saxony Lutheran to extend the lead to 4-0. The mistakes proved costly for Sikeston, making it difficult for them to gain momentum.

Unfortunately, the defensive struggles persisted into the third inning, resulting in a 6-0 lead for Saxony Lutheran.

Sikeston's Alexa Lee (13) takes a swing during an 11-1 loss to Saxony Lutheran at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“When I talked to the team last night, I told them that what is separating us right now from the teams that are beating us is their ability to make simple plays when we’re struggling too,” Conder said. “I highlighted that we had a couple of good innings of defense but we need to have that consistency on defense to win. I told them that we could play with any team in the area, but defensively we need to step it up.”

Sikeston’s lone run came in the bottom of the third inning when Ashley Ivie scored on a double by Cambree Scott.

Sikeston’s other standout moment came when Lily Robbins made a remarkable catch in right field, showing off her fielding skills.

Additionally, Abby DeShaney and Dakota Thompson displayed solid performances at their respective outfield positions.

Amidst the defensive struggles, there has been a bright spot for the team in the early stages of the season. The top of the lineup, consisting of Thompson, Scott, DeShaney and Bobbi Brown, has provided a solid foundation for the team’s offense. These four players have been responsible for an impressive 75 percent of the team’s hits and runs scored so far this season.

Their collective batting average of .432 stands in stark contrast to the rest of the team, which has a combined batting average of only .110.

“Our top of the lineup has been solid and I’m proud of their work ethic and what they bring to the team,” Conder said. “They are very good at being positive and giving tips to other hitters after they finish an at-bat. They support the other hitters and I think their confidence is helping the bottom of the lineup.”

Sikeston will host Twin Rivers (2-1) on Monday, September 11, while Saxony Lutheran hosts Fredericktown (5-0) on Tuesday, September 12.