The Palo Alto High School girls’ softball team (2-4-1, 13-7-1) suffered a bitter, 5-2, loss against Wilcox High School on Wednesday at the Paly softball field.

The Vikings scored the first two runs and played strong defense, limiting Wilcox’s scoring opportunities.

The Vikings came out strong in the first four innings, turning up the intensity as they played a flawless game. However, at the top of the fifth inning, Wilcox was able to break through the Viking defense and scored two runs, tying the game at 2-2.

“There were two types of games today,” head coach Tim Anderson said, “In the first four innings, we were playing our best. [Senior pitcher] Kelly [Jenks] did not allow a base runner and the kids were hitting hard and our plays were solid. But in the last three innings, Wilcox really took advantage of things and scored some runs.”

At the top of the sixth inning, the Vikings began to lose their momentum and, through minor field errors, allowed Wilcox to load all three bases. Wilcox’s subsequent triple then gave them a 5-2 lead over the Vikings.

“I thought it was frustrating but we played well,” Jenks said.” “We had a real tough time hitting. We hit the ball hard but unfortunately, they went right to our opponents.”

Adding to the frustrating loss, the umpire made several calls against the Vikings, which cost them a run.

“There were some tough calls that were called against us today and I think that really hurt us,” Anderson said. “One thing that was discouraging was that [senior] Caroline McDonald should have had a base hit to right field but they [Wilcox] threw it [the ball] to first. The umpire called her safe but then reversed his call and called her out; that was the third out, which cost us a run.”

Regardless of the end result, the Vikings continued to play with confidence and good sportsmanship throughout the game.

“We just need to keep our heads up even though things don’t go our way,” senior second baseman Lauren Bucolo said.

The Vikings are looking forward to advancing to the Central Coast Section playoffs and hopes for more victories.

“We had a real tough loss, but they are a good team,” Anderson said. “The girls went out there and played with a lot of confidence. In the future, the kids need to stay positive and focused because they know that they can go out there and get things done.”

The Vikings will face Homestead High School at 4 p.m on Friday at the Paly softball field.