After a long week on the road, the Pike Liberal Arts softball returned home Friday afternoon for a game against region 1 rival, and No. 3 ranked, Glenwood.

However, it was not the type of return that the Patriots had in mind.

The Gators took care of business early and often as the visiting team took out the No. 10 ranked Patriots, 10-0 in five innings.

“We faced some great pitching today,” head coach Mendy Avant said.

“This was our first loss like this, this season. The girls had a good attitude about it through (after the game).

“(This loss) was a good experience for us,” the coach continued. “I know our girls are going to continue to battle.”

Shebly Broadway got the start for PLAS, but only last three innings, as the pitcher was rocked for six hits and six runs.

Kailee Taylor took over for Broadway had a little more success, giving up four runs on four hits while striking out five.

At the plate, the Patriots also struggled as the team only had two hits, both of which were triples by Taylor and Ellie Barron.

“We are going to go back to work and practice through the weekend to get better,” Avant said. “Region play is coming up and we are going to need to be in good form.”