Osceola’s softball team met an overpowering pitcher and lineup Tuesday, falling to Mandeville, Louisiana, 6-2, Tuesday at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

The Lady Kowboys (2-1) started the year by shutting out, and down, Tohopekaliga and Ridge Community by a total of 23-0. Pitcher Shelby Jones had thrown six hitless innings in those games and worked the first two Tuesday in order before the out-of-towners rose up to challenge.

OHS had the chance to get on the board in the first inning but got a little unlucky. Maria Nunez singled and, with two outs, was on the move and ready to score on Natalia Ferrer’s double. But the ball rolled under the fence and Nunez had to be held at third.

“We saw Shelby work into some trouble and the bats handcuffed a little by a good pitcher,” said Osceola Coach Miranda Watford, the Kowboys’ longtime assistant who now has the top job after Coach George Coffey retired last year after 26 seasons. “Hopefully we learned a few things. You can struggle in February if you win in April (and May, when district and regional playoffs begin).”

The team looks to get back on track at home Thursday and Friday against Haines City and Lyman.