Tigers fall to Hawks

NEW LONDON ? Central Lee had an answer for every run the Tigers scored, eventually claiming a 5-4 win over their hosts.

The New London softball team was first on the board in their home- and season-opener Tuesday night with a run in the bottom of the third inning.

The Hawks responded with a run of their own in the top of the fourth.

When New London tacked on three more in the bottom of the fourth, Central Lee managed to score three in the top of the fifth to even the score once again.

The Hawks then added what would be the game-winning run in the top of the seventh, and New London had no answer.

On the night, the Tigers out-hit the visitors, 9-7, but also had more errors ? Tiger fielders had four mishaps to the Hawks? two.

Emily Parks led the Tigers at the plate, going 3-for-4. Caitlin Chiri was 2-for-4.

Sami Koontz hit a double for New London and had an RBI; Victoria Noel and Emma Pry also knocked in one run each.

Morgan Christner took the loss on the mound for the Tigers.

New London is now 0-1 on the season and in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division.

They will see the Hawks again this weekend when they play in a tournament in Wayland. The Tigers and Hawks will also be competing against Van Buren and against the host team, WACO.

The tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The Tigers then have a week off before playing in the Cedar Rapids Jefferson tournament on June 1.