Much improved Pilot Grove traveled to Fayette Monday and gave the high-flying Lady Falcons a run for their money before coming up just short and losing 8-6 in Game of the Week softball action heard on KMMO-AM.

The Lady Tigers almost spoiled Fayette’s Senior Night activities in addition to ending the home team’s 17-game winning streak.

It was a see-saw contest throughout with Pilot Grove leading 1-0 after one inning. Fayette was then on top 2-1 following the second before both sides scored twice in the third as Fayette led again, 4-3.

Pilot Grove evened things up 4-4 in the fifth just prior to the Lady Falcons plating four runs in the bottom of that frame to go ahead for good 8-4. The Lady Tigers did respond with a pair of tallies in the sixth to trim it to 8-6 and had the go-ahead run at the plate when the inning ended. That turned out to be Pilot Grove’s last opportunity to score as the Lady Tigers went down in order in the seventh.

Both sides relied on their clean-up hitter to lead them offensively. Fayette’s Hannah Quint had a solo home run in the second along with a two-run shot in the fifth, driving in three, and also scoring three times. For Pilot Grove, the Lady Tigers were paced by Kendall Rhoarer (Roar-er) who had a pair of RBI singles in addition to scoring once.

Fayette’s winning pitcher Jordan Ball gave up four hits and struck out 14; while Pilot Grove’s Marci Lammers surrendered five hits and fanned eight.

Fayette is now 21-1 and hasn’t lost since August 31 when Columbia Battle beat the Lady Falcons. The Lady Falcons travel to Salisbury today and Marceline on Thursday, while 5-11 Pilot Grove hosts Leeton this afternoon.