The Wayne State College softball Wildcats got off to a rough start in conference play last week, dropping their first six games and falling to 6-24 on the season.

“There is a lot more now that it is conference play,” Head Coach Shelli Manson said. “The girls’ mentality has to be a lot more positive. We have to go into each game looking to win.”

The ‘Cats dropped their conference-opening doubleheader against Augustana University 3-0 and 10-1 with both games going six innings. WSC was limited to only three hits in the first game, allowing the Vikings to score runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Junior pitcher Nataliah Hopkins was tagged with the loss, pitching all six innings, allowing three runs on eight hits.

In the second game, the ‘Cats scored first as senior infielder Melanie Alyea scored senior Emily Chandler on a single to take a 1-0 lead. However, this was the only run WSC scored as the Vikings rattled off 10 unanswered runs, including a five-run sixth inning to pull off the series sweep.

Sophomore pitcher Riley Vanderveen was tagged with the loss, throwing the complete game.

The ‘Cats then traveled to face Concordia-St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn., Saturday afternoon for a doubleheader. WSC had the lead in both games, but the Golden Bears rallied to win 7-4 and 11-9.

“Their (Concordia) hitters hit the ball over the fence and we just kept hitting doubles and singles,” Manson said. “We would get a good lead and then lose it. Some days are just like that.”

WSC scored first as freshman Sarah Hunter scored on a single by senior catcher Monique Alyea. The game was 2-1 heading into the fifth, as the Golden Bears scored five runs in the bottom of the inning and did not look back, holding on for the victory.

Hopkins suffered the loss, charged with 11 hits over five and two-thirds innings. Freshman Allison Niemeier pitched one-third inning and allowed one run with one walk.

In game two, the ‘Cats had an early 4-2 lead in the fourth as junior catcher Jordyn Wobken scored on a throwing error and freshman infielder Jenna Stewart hit a two-run single. The Golden Bears responded by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 7-4 lead.

The rest of the game went back and forth, but the Golden Bears held on for the sweep. Vanderveen suffered the loss, allowing seven runs on nine hits. Junior infielder Jordyn Breitbarth went 3 for 3 hitting, Wobken went 3 for 4, and Stewart and junior outfielder Rachel Shumaker both went 2 for 3.

WSC traveled to Mankato, Minn., on Sunday to take on 21st-ranked Minnesota State, losing both games 12-1 and 16-1.

“It is always tough to go into Mankato and play them,” Manson said. “You really have to learn how to handle yourself when you’re playing a good team like they are.”

The Mavericks displayed an offensive fury, scoring six runs in the third and fourth innings respectively. In the top of the fourth, Melanie Alyea ended the Maverick no-hit bid with a home run to right field. This was the only hit WSC had the entire game.

In game two, WSC scored first as Wobken singled and scored on a Shumaker single to lead 1-0. The Mavericks then took full advantage, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first, five in the second, one in the third, and six more in the fourth to pull off the sweep.

“We knew going into conference that we had the three top teams with Augustana, Winona State and Mankato,” Manson said. “When you have to go against the three top teams early on, we knew it would be challenging.”

On Tuesday the ’Cats suffered a pair of losses at the hands of Winona State, 16-6 and 7-4.

Winona State used a nine-run third inning to cruise to the first win of the afternoon. WSC could not overcome the deficit. The ’Cats got as close as 10-6, but Winona scored four runs in the fourth inning to seal the win.

The ‘Cats are at home again Saturday and Sunday for doubleheaders against Minot State and University of Mary.