The Lady Tigers dropped their first softball game of the year –– against one of the best opponents they’ll face all season. Playing in a tournament in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Republic lost 4-0 to defending 5A state champion Collinsville, Oklahoma, in the opening game.
After winning the state title last year, Collinsville returned nine seniors. They outscored their first seven opponents by a combined 37-18.
Thursday night, Collinsville scored three runs early, added a single tally in the fourth inning, and held on for the victory.
The Lady Tigers managed just five hits — two of them by Kami Holt. Sydney Phillips walked twoce, and Taylor Hulland also reached base twice on a hit and a walk.
Rachel Rook allowed four runs — two earned — in six innings. She struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.
Republic falls to 2-1. The Lady Tigers will continue play in Shawnee Friday.