Ladybirds softball team suffers first loss at Helias

JEFFERSON CITY - The Helias Lady Crusaders, despite being out-hit 10-7, combined for all of their runs over a three-inning stretch in handing the North Callaway Ladybirds softball team its first loss of the season 7-5 Monday night.

North Callaway (7-1) raced to an early lead by scoring single runs in the first and third, but Helias (11-5) countered with four runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth to go in front to stay. The Ladybirds tried to rally with three runs in the seventh, but couldn't finish the comeback.

Senior second baseman Karlie Popp finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored to direct North Callaway, while sophomore left fielder Kallie Jo Lehenbauer was 2-for-4 with a triple, a double and two RBI. Senior center fielder Skylar Schmauch went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored, while freshman shortstop Mackenzie Ausfahl finished 2-for-4 and scored once.

Ladybirds senior starter Madison Ausfahl was tagged with her first loss, giving up six runs - five earned - on five hits over 4 1/3 innings. Ausfahl struck out four and walked three.

North Callaway (7-0-1) triumphed in the junior varsity game 4-2.

The Ladybirds play a makeup Eastern Missouri Conference game at Clopton at 6 tonight.