The Wauwatosa West girls won big once and lost big twice in their first week of the season.
The Trojans opened with a 21-0 loss at Whitnall (2-0) on March 27, as Anna Radske's double was the only hit off the Falcons' Carolyn Dudek, who struck out 13.
Whitnall scored seven in the first and eight runs in the second inning. West pitcher Ashley Lindstrom allowed nine hits, only three for extra bases, but struggled with her control, walking 16.
'It was an awful showing (as a team),' West coach Ed Raue said. 'We made more mistakes than plays. We can't afford to give teams extra outs and we are doing it every inning.'
West bounced back to beat Milwaukee Conservatory of Lifelong Learning/Reagan, 19-4, at Whitman Middle School March 28 to get its first win in a non-conference game.
Radske had a big day going 1-for-2 with three runs scored and three RBIs and Kady Johnson went 2-for-2 and scored twice, getting her first prep hit.
The Trojans had only four hits as the Wizards walked 22 batters.
Tosa West scored five, eight and six runs in the first three innings to blow the Wizards out quickly.
'They used their No. 2 pitcher and it showed,' Raue said. 'We were able to work on our base running and being aggressive when on base.'
The next day the Trojans struggled against a good New Berlin West team, losing 11-1, at home.
It was only 3-0 through three innings, but then the Vikings scored four and three runs in the next two innings to put the game away. Abby Kunz allowed one hit and fanned nine.
Lindstrom's control was better, walking six, but the talented New Berlin West lineup banged out 12 hits.
'Ashley just looks different on the mound,' Raue said. 'She's throwing the ball well, but (she's) having to throw far too many pitches because of the defensive miscues.
'Too many mistakes cost us. We need to find our focus and once that occurs, we will be very competitive.'
Raue was not happy with his team's play in the first week.
'This was not the start we envisioned,' he said. 'We were expecting good solid fundamental play and instead, we made too many errors; both physical and mental.
'That will change. The girls have too much pride.
'It was Groundhog's Day Tuesday and Thursday,' said Raue, referring to the team's two losses.
But Raue is still optimistic.
'Our goal has not changed - 10 wins,' he said. 'In order for that to occur, we need to be focused for each pitch, for seven innings.'