The Lady Panthers lost their region opener, 9-1, Saturday to the Lady Bulldogs in Thomson.

Lady Panther coach Jerome Standard said his team didn’t connect the bat to the ball as well as the Bulldog squad did.

"We did not hit and they hit well," he said. "And any time there was a mistake they capitalized on it. That is the sign of a really good team."

The Lady Panthers were two for two against the Thomson squad last season but Standards said he could tell they’ve improved.

"They didn’t lose anyone from last year’s team," he said. "They were young last year but they are all back and they are a well coached team."

Standard said the Lady Bulldogs spent the summer on traveling teams, playing a host of high-caliber squads, and that has made a difference in their game.

On Monday, Standard had his players hitting balls from a pitching machine to simulate a live pitch and get batters used to the speed of the ball.

Desiree Garcia and Diamone Johnson are healing from their recent injuries. The two were hurt when they collided while running at full speed in the outfield during an Aug. 20 game against Long County. Garcia injured her knee and the coach said she is recuperating and will rejoin the action soon.

The Lady Panthers were scheduled to play yesterday at home against Tattnall County, depending on the weather. They host West Laurens in their second region game Friday at 5 p.m.