Viqueen freshman Brittany Haynes struck out nine batters in six inning against Mt. Pleasant. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

It has been an up-and-down season for the Community Viqueens so far, with stretches of well-played innings and then portions that are going to make new head coach Libby Frost prematurely gray.

Tuesday's game against visiting Mt. Pleasant was no exception as the Viqueens battled their opponent to a virtual standstill for four innings only to have the wheels fall completely off late in a 12-1 loss despite a nine-strikeout effort by freshman pitcher Brittany Haynes.

"Once again we got an excellent effort from Brittany and let her down defensively when it really counted," Frost said. "No team can give the opponent five or six outs an inning and expect to win many games.

"We seem to let one bad play ruin our concentration on a consistent basis."

Haynes scattered 10 hits in six innings and walked just one.

Holly Frazier threw six innings for the Lady Tigers and gave up but two hits, both to catcher Karly Joslyn, who also knocked in the Viqueens' lone run. Frazier struck out seven and walked three to pick up the win.

"We have to develop very short memories when we commit an error and get ready for the next play," Frost said. "This group seems to want to dwell on mistakes instead of sucking it up and moving on.

"That is just a matter of mental toughness on our part and will definitely be a focal point of our practices the rest of the way. We have a young and inexperienced team right now and building confidence is a top priority for us."

Community hosts Eagleville for a District 9-A matchup on Thursday at 5.