BEAVERTON - May 26, 2005 - When the Whittemore-Prescott softball team plays solid defense, the Cardinals nearly always win.

W-P saw both the good and bad of that reality Thursday at Beaverton, committing five errors in a 6-5 loss to the Beavers but just one miscue in a 15-4 victory.

"Five errors along with three big baserunning blunders spelled our doom," in the opener, said W-P coach Sam Harrison. "You just can't overcome that many mistakes and beat a good team."

The Cards overcame a 3-1 deficit to take a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning, then gave up two runs in the bottom of the sixth before tying it at 5-5 in the top of the seventh. Beaverton scored the game-winner in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Theresa Janish allowed three earned runs on 10 hits while striking out three in the loss. Kaylon Leslie had a triple and a single while Theresa Janish (13-5) added two hits to lead W-P.

In the second game, a nine-run first inning and near-flawless play in the field propelled the Cards to the easy win. Kelli Barriger (13-1) allowed three earned runs on four hits, walking three and striking out two.

Barriger added a double and a single, Leslie had another big game with three doubles and a single and Annalise Gordon added two hits.

W-P (26-6) plays at the Bay City All Saints tournament Saturday, then hosts district tournament play beginning with a pre-district contest with Lincoln-Alcona on Tuesday. If victorious the Cards will play Tawas Area in a 10 a.m. semifinal on Saturday, June 3.