By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers lost most of their team from last season. But that was all they lost in Monday’s season opener.

The Lady Tigers overcame the heavy losses as they beat the Raceland Lady Rams 8-7.

“Losing four seniors from last season, Rebekkah Potter to another tear in her ACL, and two other starters not playing, we have basically replaced everyone except for (Nikki) Elswick and (Karlie) Collins,” said Ironton coach Missy Fields.

“I am pretty pleased with tonight’s effort. We have to cut down on the errors and get more aggressive at the plate. I feel as the season progresses the girls will become more comfortable working together as a team unit.”

Collins went the distance for the win as she gave up nine hits, struck out seven and walked four.

Laken White was 3-for-3 and Andi Kratzenberg 2-3 to paced Ironton. Karlee McMackin, Brianna Foster, Elswick and Collins all had one hit.

Ironton hosts Rock Hill Tuesday and Chesapeake on Thursday. The Lady Tigers travel to Coal Grove Friday and hosts Russell in an 11 a.m. doubledheader Saturday.

Raceland 000 312 1 = 7 9 1

Ironton 104 030 x = 8 9 3

Diller and Carmon. Karlie Collins and Saige Fields. W-Collins (7-K, 4-BB). L-Diller (7-K, 2-BB). 2B-Raceland: Wilson. Hitting-Raceland: Padunoval 1-3, Anderson 1-4, Grubb 2-4, Carman 2-4, Wilson 1-4, Weaver 1-3, Diller 1-4; Ironton: Andi Kratzenberg 2-3, Brianna Foster 1-3, Laken White 3-3, Karlie Collins 1-3, Nikki Elswick 1-3, Karlee McMackin 1-3.