LANETT — The Springwood School softball team fell in a five-run hole by the third inning of Tuesday’s game against Hooper Academy.

But the Wildcats charged back and put the tying runs on base in the final frame. They couldn’t push them across the plate.

As a result, Springwood (0-1) suffered a 6-4 loss in its season opener.

“We had opportunities to win,” Springwood first-year head coach Galen Smith said.

Hooper took a 5-0 lead in the third inning after recording multiple hits against Wildcats starter Emma Jennings.

Jennings settled down as the game progressed, and Smith said she pitched well enough to win. Springwood nearly did. Methodically, the Wildcats whittled Hooper’s advantage down to two runs behind the bats of Allie Davis, Rachel Remmel and Jennings.

Smith said he liked the competitiveness his team displayed despite running into early trouble.

The JV Wildcats showed similar resolve in a 6-5 season-opening victory.

According to Smith, the game was called after four innings due to time restrictions. But that didn’t prevent Springwood from coming out on top.

Merredith Woodham earned the victory in the circle, while Clara Hopkin and Anna Scott led the Wildcats at the plate.

Both Springwood teams will return to action today at Northside Methodist in Dothan.

First pitch for the varsity game will be 4 p.m. EST.

“It should be a pretty good test for us,” Smith said.