It was a similarly frustrating start for both Loyd Star and Enterprise in their softball quarterfinal openers this week.
On Wednesday, Loyd Star (21-7) fell behind 1-0 to start the game in their MHSAA 2A series off against Puckett (22-6) as the Wolves scored once in the first and three in the third of an eventual 4-2 loss for the Hornets. Game two of the series is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Puckett on Friday.

On Thursday, Enterprise (14-11) saw visiting Nanih Waiya (17-10) score five runs in the top of the first and then hold off a Yellow Jacket comeback for an eventual 7-4 win in the opening game of their MHSAA 1A playoff series. Game two of the series is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Nanih Waiya on Friday.

Loyd Star was able to manage just two hits against Puckett pitcher Lila Murphy on Wednesday. Murphy struck out six, walked two and gave up two earned runs on two hits.

Both runs for Loyd Star came in the bottom of the fourth when freshman Kenzie Kay Lofton hit a two-out single that scored two runs. Layla Burt had gotten the only other hit of the game for the Hornets and coach John Smith earlier in the inning.

EAC and coach Alicia Smith had a nightmare first inning that saw Nanih Waiya surge ahead after a couple hits, a couple walks, and a couple errors for the Yellow Jackets.

Enterprise outhit the visiting Warriors 11-6, but were undone by five errors in the field.

Junior Terra Vining led the Jackets with three hits while seventh grader Rainee Falvey, junior Caitlin Case, and junior Isabella Jordan all had two hits apiece for Enterprise. Falvey drove in two runs as she hit a double and triple. Vining hit a double and drove in one run.

Eighth grader Piper Martin and senior Miranda Anderson both hit safely as well. Case also drove in a run for the Enterprise offense.

Falvey struck out seven, walked two and gave up two earned runs on six hits.

A series extending win by either Loyd Star or Enterprise on Friday night would allow the Lincoln County schools to host a third and deciding game on Saturday.