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The now 3–6 girls softball team couldn’t keep up with an explosive first inning from the Churchill Bulldogs, losing 15–14.

After an eight-run first inning for the Bulldogs, the Vikes fought back, but could not take the lead at any point in the game. Lauren Furst pitched a solid game after the rough start, while third baseman Elena Kozak was dominant at the plate.

After Churchill took their substantial lead, the Vikes began to make it a game, rallying for five runs on five hits in the second.

The defense also stepped it up, with Furst pitching a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third.

“After a tough first inning, we didn’t let that get us down, we played more competitively and tightened up our defense,” Furst said.

Kozak, who had four hits, also turned a double play to keep the score at 15–12 right before the Vikings had their last chance to take a lead.

“Overall, I think this game really showed that despite the score, we always have a chance to come back,” Kozak said. “Last year we lost big to Churchill, so even though we came up short, I’m very proud of the way my teammates played, and I count this game as a win in my book.”

The Vikes look to build on this progress against B-CC Barons on Saturday.