WESTPHALIA -- Taking on the Class 3 No. 1 Fatima Comets, the South Callaway Lady Bulldogs lost 10-0 in the Show-Me Conference matchup Monday at Fatima High School.
With the result, South Callaway dropped to 5-8 overall and 0-3 in the Show-Me, while Fatima improved to 14-2 overall and 3-0 in the Show-Me.
"Ran into another state-ranked opponent tonight," South Callaway softball coach Heath Lepper said. "Fatima is the real deal. I thought we battled pretty well tonight.
"We had our chances to get on the board a couple times. We just couldn't push a run across. That's saying a lot, considering the defending state champs bring back several girls from last year's lineup.
"It was nice to see our middle of our lineup battle today. When we get girls like (Molly) Dunnavant on in the middle, we've got to find a way to get them in. I thought (Kinslee) Rhoades did a great job today, considering who she was facing.
"I thought she showed great composure for a freshman. Our girls are starting to figure out some of the pieces it takes to make a competitive run at the end of the year. They're starting to lean on each other, as well as expecting good things to happen.
"Those two things become more prevalent in a program when your girls put the time and hard work in. Our schedule does not get any easier from here on out. We've got to continue to grind it out, hopefully catch a break here and there, and we'll get a few more wins."
South Callaway hosts district opponent Russellville (5-8, 1-2 Show-Me) at 5 p.m. Thursday in Mokane. Last season, the Lady Indians beat the Lady Bulldogs 8-5 in Russellville.