The Pickens Dragonettes played their first home game of the 2013 season on Monday against the Murray Lady Indians with disappointing results, as the team fought hard for seven innings but ultimately lost by the final score of 3-0.Runs were a premium in this matchup, and things look promising for the Lady Indians in the top of the fourth inning when the team was able to get two runners on with just one out; fortunately for Pickens, pitcher Kayla Howard was prepared to pitch her way out of the situation, and with the help of the Dragonettes’ defenders behind her escaped the inning without giving up a run.

Pickens prevented another big inning two innings later, when a double to open the inning followed by a fielder’s choice gave the Lady Indians a runner at third with just one out. Fortunately for the Dragonettes, the team buckled down and did what they had to in order to avoid allowing a run, as Kayla Howard recorded a strikeout and right fielder Brooke Wilson tracked down a fly ball to keep the game even at 0.

As well as Pickens’ pitching and defense played throughout the contest, they could only shout out Murray for so long, and in the top of the seventh inning the Lady Indians finally broke through with four hits (one via a nicely placed bunt), allowing three runners to come home to give the road squad a 3-0 advantage.

Despite the tough spot with just half of an inning left to go, the Dragonettes refused to go down without a fight, and a seeing-eye double to left field by Howard gave Pickens the potential to put up some runs and close the gap. Unfortunately, the team could not bring home the runner, and when it was all said and done the Nettes would lose the game 3-0.

The Nettes did what they could to try and put up runs against Murray, but in the end the offense lacked enough to bring a runner across the plate, as the team combined for four hits over seven innings. These four hits were provided by shortstop Cheyenne Hamby, pitcher Kayla Howard, designated hitter Jessica Ray, left fielder Stephanie Riddle, and catcher Paula Pickett, respectively.

Pitcher Kayla Howard had a solid outing for the Dragonettes, pitching seven innings and allowing just three runs on ten hits along with eight strikeouts on 94 pitches in the game.

The Dragonettes will be back in action on Tuesday night when they face off with the West Hall Lady Spartans at home.