Hoping to pick up a win or two, the White River High fastpitch team was scheduled to travel to Franklin Pierce Monday and host Timberline Tuesday before taking time off to enjoy spring break.

The Hornets suffered a trio of losses – to Auburn Mountainview March 25, Peninsula on Thursday, and Lakes, Friday – but coach Joe Sprouse said his girls are hitting the ball hard and he anticipates things to turn their way soon.

“We are a much improved team and will finally be at full strength next week and ready to compete,” Sprouse said. “These girls never quit or get done and they want the challenge of turning the ship around.”

Sprouse said one of the keys for the young team is defense.

Costly errors, six total, were the factor in the Hornets’ 10-0 loss to Auburn Mountainview. Trailing 5-0 in the sixth, the Lions’ blasted White River with five runs, dashing any hopes of a comeback.

Hornet sophomores Sara Steinmetz and Brooke Paulson went 1-for-3 from the plate and, behind the plate, Paulson had a diving catch on a foul ball to make the highlight reel.

The defense looked better against Peninsula Thursday and so did the score. The Hornets, led by Jordynn Smith’s 1-for-3 hitting with two RBI, gave the Seahawks a run for their money, but in the end dropped a 6-2 game.

Steinmetz pitched a complete game, allowing three earned runs.

Two key errors, lapses in an improving defense, gave Lakes a 5-1 win. Those two errors allowed the Lancers a four-run fifth inning putting the game out of reach.

Paulson and Steinmetz again led the hit parade with one each and Paulson drove in White River’s lone run.

“We are young and improving every day,” Sprouse said of his five sophomores, five juniors and two seniors. “If we can shore up our defense we will start reaching our full potential.”