Errors hurt Nevada in SWC opener

Rachel Kennedy pitches during the Lady Tigers' Southwest Conference opener Thursday afternoon against the Carthage Tigers. Carthage won the game at Bushwhacker Field, 9-0, thanks to 10 Nevada errors. The Lady Tigers are in Neosho Tuesday.

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

NEVADA, Mo. -- The Nevada Lady Tigers committed 10 errors and didn't give themselves a chance to win in their Southwest Conference softball opener against Carthage Thursday. Carthage won 9-0, as the Lady Tigers struggled in field and at the plate.

Junior Katelyn Brier started in the circle for Nevada (1-1) and she lasted only three innings, thanks in large part to the defense behind her. Freshman Rachel Kennedy relieved and went the final four frames.

Nevada head coach Brandi Thomsen said the pregame preparation was no different than usual, but that one error led to another and there was a snowball effect.

"I think we came out the same way we always do," Thomsen said. "We just had a couple (errors) in a row and started throwing the ball all over the place."

Thomsen said she will rely on her experienced players to get Nevada back on the right track.

"Hopefully my seniors regroup and play as well as they can," she said.

The Lady Tigers are scheduled to continue conference play Tuesday when they visit Neosho. The Neosho Lady Wildcats were a state quarterfinalist in Class 4 a year ago and could be the conference favorites.

"I'm upset because we're able to play with any of these teams," Thomsen said. "We've just got to show it."

Nevada's next home game is Thursday, when they host rival Lamar.

"We had a down game," Thomsen said. "We have to be stronger mentally."