By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Lady Bearcats' struggles continued on the diamond Monday afternoon when they played host to the New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles. The Eagles' dominance of the Southeast Missouri spring softball scene continued in their 17-14 victory over the Lady 'Cats to extend their win streak to 51 games.

Becky Anderson took the start and the loss for the Lady Bearcats. The senior struck out two batters, walked one, and threw seven wild pitches in her seven innings of work.

The Eagles jumped on Anderson early, racking up five runs in the first inning. The Lady 'Cats were three up, three down in the first, and NMCC tacked on four more runs in the top half of the second to take a 9-0 lead.

Riley Rickman smacked a one out triple in the bottom of the second; Tiffany Watson hit a fielder's choice to third base to drive Rickman in for Dexter's first run of the day.

The Eagles added three more runs in the third, one in the fourth, and four in the fifth to take a 17-1 lead.

The Lady 'Cats struck hard in the home half of the fifth; walks to Anderson and Madison Christian set up eight consecutive RBI singles to leave the bases loaded and the score at 17-9. Ashley Brown delivered a grand slam to pull the Lady 'Cats within five runs. Triplett grounded into a fielder's choice to score Owens and set the score at 17-14 heading into the sixth.

Neither team was able to score a run in the final two innings, sealing the final score at 17-14 in New Madrid's favor.

The Lady Bearcats, now 3-5 on the season, will be back in action this afternoon (Tuesday, April 10) against the Charleston Blue Jays. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Photo Above: Becky Anderson hurled a complete game for the Lady 'Cats, but struggled throughout. The senior was able to strike out two batters, but walked one, gave up 10 hits, and delivered seven wild pitches in the game.