NEW RICHLAND &045; In a defensive battle, the Mankato Loyola Crusaders made a few more plays than the NRHEG Panthers.

It was the difference.

The Panthers had four fielding miscues while the visitors played errorless defense as Mankato Loyola won 3-1 in a Gopher Conference softball game at New Richland Monday.

&uot;It was a super game,&uot; said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz. &uot;Even though we lost, I was very pleased with the way the girls played. If we keep playing like that, we’re going to win some games.&uot;

Despite the errors, Schultz was pleased with the Panthers’ overall defensive play. Catcher Lynsi Espe threw out three baserunners attempting to steal second.

&uot;The Loyola coach said that hasn’t happened in years,&uot; said Schultz. &uot;We made a lot of great defensive plays to make up for the errors.&uot;

The Panthers had four hits, two by Espe who was 2-for-3 with a triple. Nikki Bergdale and Steph Burshem had one hit apiece.

Emily Hagen pitched for the Panthers, allowing nine hits. She walked three and struck out five.

The Panthers were still without their leading hitter and pitcher, Erin Anderson, who remained sidelined with mononucleosis. She’s expected back in the lineup next week.

The Panthers, 4-4 in the conference and 7-7 overall, face Medford at Owatonna today.

Loyola 3, NRHEG 1

ML

201

000

0 &045; 3

9

0

NRHEG

000

000

1

&045; 1

4

4

LP &045; Emily Hagen