WINONA -- After the recent flooding and the loss of a new field, the Clearwater softball team saw its first action of the season, falling in a wild game on the road Tuesday.

"We were just happy to be on the field," Clearwater coach Shannon England said.

Despite missing three starters and 11 of 19 players due to illness, the Lady Tigers slugged it out with their opponent before falling 19-16.

Clearwater led 7-0 after three innings and 15-11 after a sixth inning grand slam by Erica Woods, only to see Winona answer with six runs in the bottom of the inning.

"That grand slam really got the momentum going our way," England said.

Tesha Swafford allowed 12 hits, struck out 10 and walked 10 in taking the loss for Clearwater. She also went 1-for-4 at the plate, scoring a pair of runs.

"Tesha did a lot better job pitching," England said. "They usually had two outs before they got going."

Seven Lady Tigers finished the game with at least two hits. They also stole nine bases, but hurt themselves by committing nine errors.

"It was an exciting game to watch, but frustrating to coach," England said. "Our defense has to do a better job."

Adriann D'Amico led the Lady Tigers with three runs scored. Deanna Yates went 3-for-4, driving in four runs and scoring once. She and Alex Green each stole a pair of bases to lead the team in that category.

AWARDS

Van Buren's Brandon Tucker and Tyler Freeze were were named to the All-Black River League team along with Clearwater sophomore Luke Hillis and Ellington's Brad Baysinger and Austin Boyland.

Van Buren's Britteny Peterson and Whitney VanWinkle, Adriann D'Amico of Clearwater and Ellington's Morgan Morrison and Rachel Roberts were named to the girls team.