ST. IGNATIUS - The Mission softball team started out hot against Loyola Sacred Heart, but cold bats prevented the win.

In the 10-3 loss, MAC tied the game at two runs in the bottom of the first but was unable to produce any more runs until the fourth inning when one crossed the plate. Loyola, on the other hand, scored eight times.

"We were unable to rally back," head coach Susan Weaselhead said. "We had runners on base."

Mission had nine hits and sophomore Kinley Pope led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Senior Katie McDonald went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Bulldogs went on to play Troy on Friday before their bats got hot against Deer Lodge on Saturday.

MAC scored in each of the first three innings, including five in the third, en route to a 9-2 win.

Sophomore Janeal McDonald went 3-for-4 with two doubles. Senior Bella Dally went 2-for-3 and added 2 RBIs.

"We showed a lot of patience at the plate," Weaselhead said.

Coming up, MAC faces "two tough opponents," she said. The Bulldogs face Thompson Falls tonight and host Florence on Saturday.

"I think we're ready," Weaselhead said.