Linn (24-5) lost a tough softball game to St. Elizabeth 5-4 on Thursday. “It took us a while to get going offensively, but we had some really great at-bats and key hits that kept us in the game,” said Coach Ryan Rost. “Unfortunately, we had a few close calls that didn’t go our way, and we made a few too many mistakes. When you play a team as good as St. E, you can’t make mistakes defensively. You have to give credit to them for capitalizing when we gave them the opportunity. Overall, I loved our fight and grit throughout the game. It was a great test for us, and we were able to see a few things we need to fine-tune before districts.”

The Lady Cats trailed 3-0 going into the fifth, and scored two runs to keep it close.

Anna Peters drew a walk to start the frame, and Elizabeth Sprenger (1-2) sacrificed her to second. That’s when Heslie Higginbotham (1-2, 2 RBI) stepped into the box and hit a home run to left field.

St. Elizabeth added two more in the fifth, but Linn wasn’t done. Emma Starke (1-3, RBI) put the ball over the left field fence for a one-out solo HR. Ava Warren (1-2) followed up with a triple to right and scored on a groundout to make it 5-4.

Elli Dudenhoeffer added a hit.

Sophie Voss allowed three earned runs on seven hits, with three strikeouts over six innings.

Linn started play last week with an 8-1 win over Pacific. “We hit well and were supported with great pitching,” said Rost. “I really liked our at-bats in this game. We hit the ball really hard, but hit line drives right at defenders more often than not; otherwise, we could’ve scored many more runs. Overall, we had a great game on both ends.”

After spotting Pacific a run in the first that tied the game at 1-1, Linn found its offensive groove, scoring two in the third, three in the fifth, and two more in the sixth.

Warren had a big day, going 3-4 with a double, as Starke added two hits with a double and two RBI. Dudenhoeffer (2 RBI) and Kenzy Hackmann (RBI) each added a double, and Peters (RBI), Sprenger (RBI), Paige Senevey, and Voss posted a base hit apiece. Higginbotham also had an RBI.

Warren went the distance, allowing no earned runs on six hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks.

“This group is playing good softball right now, and we need to keep bringing high energy and play into what will be a tough and great district tournament,” said Rost. “I’m excited to get going and see what this team can do!”

Linn (1) has a first-round bye and will play at 4 p.m. on Thursday against the winner of the Russellville/Eugene contest.