Demopolis’ home opener got ugly early and ended abruptly Monday as the Lady Tigers (2-10) were downed by Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 10-0.

The majority of the damage came in the top of the second inning when the Lady Tigers could scarcely get out of their own way, committing five errors in the frame.

“We’re not making the easy plays,” Demopolis High head coach Joey Browder said. “We’ve got to learn to get over our mistakes and make the next play.”

The second inning struggles affected the Lady Tigers indiscriminately as five different players committed miscues in the frame.

“We come out in practice, we’re focused and we’re making plays,” Browder said. “And we’re choking in ball games.”

Hillcrest proved eager to take advantage of the Demopolis hospitality, stroking a three-run and a two-run homer in the inning.

The Lady Tigers went to sophomore pitcher Madison Laduron in the top of the third inning.

Laduron surrendered one run, acting as one of the lone bright spots for Demopolis on the evening. She worked three innings, struck out five, allowed two hits and one run while walking one.

“She did a good job coming in and doing what she had to do,” Browder said.

Demopolis was unable to avoid getting beaten by the 10-run rule, as only one Lady Tiger reached base in the game. Catcher Lindsey Fields drew a walk, a successful at-bat that served as the only thing that turned Hillcrest’s perfect game into a no-hitter.

“That’s a reflection of how we played in the field,” Browder said. “We tighten up in the field, we tighten up at the plate.”

The loss leaves Demopolis with little momentum as it heads into region play Thursday with a home tilt against Chilton County.

“They’ve got to fix it,” Browder said of his players. “They are going to have to take over the situation and change it themselves.”