Katelynn Thun is an NAU School of Communication journalism student assigned to cover softball for AZPreps365.com.

The Coconino softball team struggled defensively throughout its home game against Cactus Shadows on Friday, allowing the Falcons a combined .472 batting average in an 11-4 loss. 

Coconino coach Kimberly Dennis stressed going forward the Panthers need to prioritize “playing for our teammates and better defense.”

The Panthers started the game strong, taking a 1-0 lead into the top of the third inning. Coconino's defensive struggles began in the third inning when the Falcons scored their first run of the game while the bases were loaded. The Falcons would go on to score three more runs in the third off an error from the Panthers, giving the Falcons a 5-1 lead.  

A Cactus Shadows player slides into second base. (Kiki Kowitz photo/AZPreps365)

The Panthers responded with three runs in the bottom of the third to cut the lead to one run. 

Freshman Chloe Barton got the starting pitching job for the Panthers, allowing six runs before being replaced by senior utility player Norah Kennelly in the fifth inning. 

Dennis credited Barton for keeping the Panthers in the game early and believes she is developing as the season progresses. 

“She did a great job for us. She pitched a well enough game that we were in and we were battling,” Dennis said. “She’s a freshman; she’s doing a great job. We have no worries right now with Chloe.” 

Coconino records an out in a rundown. (Mia Maldonado photo/AZPreps365)

In her postgame talk, Dennis stressed to her team the need for the Panthers to "believe in themselves and fight for each other” in order to end their losing streak. 

Sophomore first baseman Joy Shafor hit an RBI triple in the third inning, which would be the last runs scored for the Panthers in the game. 

Shafor believes the Panthers can learn from their current three-game losing streak.

“This showed us what we don’t want to do, and I think that’s important,” Shafor said.

Panthers sophomore Joy Shafor communicates with the Panthers defense. (Kiki Kowitz photo/AZPreps365)

The Panthers are now 5-4 in conference play and 11-5 overall on the season.

The Panthers will play the Mohave Thunderbirds on Monday, March 30, at home in a Grand Canyon Region matchup. 

Mohave is currently 5-8 on the season and 1-1 in region play. 

In last year’s matchup, the Panthers swept the season series with the Thunderbirds winning the first game 8-0 and the second 15-0.