The PCM softball team stepped out of conference play Tuesday evening, traveling to take on Grinnell. The Mustangs were unable to continue their winning ways from Monday evening, falling in an 11-8 decision.

It was a quick start for Grinnell, as they plated five runs in the second inning to take the early lead. The Mustangs were able to tie it up in the top of the fourth, but three more Tiger runs in the bottom of the frame put Grinnell up for good. PCM got within one in the top of the sixth with three runs scored, but Grinnell opened the margin back up with two runs in their half of the sixth. Five errors plagued the Mustangs in the contest, who lost the game despite outhitting Grinnell 11-9. Head Coach Shaun Hudnut says that working through errors and putting together complete games are challenging for youthful teams like his, but the Mustangs are continuing to see growth as the season progresses.

“The girls are playing really hard. We’re learning a lot, that’s part of that youth we keep fighting through. We’re hoping to keep taking that next step to take that growth. Instead of saying ‘We’re young, this is what’s going to happen,’ we need to make things happen for us.”

Riley DeVore and Belle Hudnut each had three base hits in the game. Hailey Schutte drove in three runs on two hits. DeVore was the pitcher of record, going 3 ⅓ innings, giving up seven hits and a walk while striking out two batters. PCM falls to 4-12 overall, and will be back in action this evening at Greene County. The PCM baseball team will also return to conference play this evening against the Rams.