POCAHONTAS — The fourth-ranked (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team fell into an early hole and struggled to climb out here Thursday, dropping a 9-5 decision to Pocahontas Area.

The Indians (1-0 overall) used a four-run first to take command, as Halee Hauswirth drove in four runs, scored three times and collected three hits. Katie Rierson and Lauren Hoover both had two hits as Hoover earned the win inside the circle.

Amanda Davis and Rierson each scored twice while Hoover and Emma Sobotka each drove in two.

For the Gaels (2-2), Faith Shirbroun hit a homer and had a double, scoring three times. Mariah Myers had two hits and Ansley Oswald drove in a pair.

Toryn Helle recorded 12 strikeouts and had a hit at the plate.

“We gave them too many free bases and didn’t take advantage of chances we had,” SEHS head coach Bill Shirbroun said. “We’re going to keep working and we’ll be our best when it matters the most.”

St. Edmond returns to action Friday night when they open North Central Conference play at Rogers Park vs. Humboldt at 7:30 p.m. Pocahontas Area heads to Lytton to face South Central Calhoun.