BonnerSprings.com

Basehor-Linwood sputtered offensively Monday night, dropping both games of a softball doubleheader to Piper, and fell to 6-6 overall.

The Lady Bobcats were defeated in the first game, 3-1, and lost the second game, 4-1.

"We just could not put any hits together," BLHS coach Susan Mayberry said. "The top-of-the-lineup hitters one through four consistently got on base. However, we need for hitters five through nine to begin hitting the ball and contributing something on offense. We just seemed to consistently dig ourselves into a hole at the plate. We let the opponent's pitcher dictate the game instead of getting ahead in the count and coming to the plate with the confidence to be effective."

Shelby Pierce pitched the duration of both games.

"Improvement for Shelby is just a matter of hitting location and getting groundball outs," Mayberry said, adding that she would like more consistency.

The Lady 'Cats missed fly balls in the outfield, cut plays that should not have

been cut, and were called out on third strikes. The mistakes irked Mayberry.

"We just need to emotionally get more consistent," Mayberry said. "We are up and down; we have only had a few players that are consistent in their play. We are not going to give up, but I would like to see us be more consistent.

Still, Mayberry loves the talent she sees.

"We have the physical tools. We have the ability; it is just believing in those abilities," Mayberry said. "We have players that are struggling and they internalize it. It's mental toughness and preparation. I wouldn't trade our team for the world, but when it comes down to sports, it is all mental. You have to be prepared. We go through streaks where we capitalize on opponents' mistakes but the next day we might fall on our face. We need to have a short memory and put it all together."

The Lady 'Cats have an opportunity to get back on track at 4:30 p.m. today against Blue Valley. They will then travel to Bonner Springs for a 4:30 p.m. Monday doubleheader.

"The regular season is about position; putting yourself in the best position possible for the playoffs," Mayberry said. "We are putting together the components of our game. We have them all, but we have to put them all together. Hopefully we do that and start believing in ourselves. We are capable."