The Pinecrest softball team demonstrated some of the resiliency of youth by bouncing back from consecutive losses to defeat Douglas Byrd 5-1, Wednesday evening.

But, coming off one-sided losses to Western Harnett and Jack Britt on Monday and Tuesday, Patriot coach Paul Goins is looking for more of a different quality from his squad that includes only one senior.

"I don't know what it is, but right now we're not consistent," the first-year coach says.

"If I can get them to play every game at the level we play some, we'll be good."

Freshman pitcher Keely Robinson scattered six hits and struck out seven with no walks in a solid overall performance by the Patriots. She also tripled to set up the final Patriot run in the sixth.

Pinecrest improved to 4-3 in the Mid-Southeastern Conference and 5-8-1 overall while the Eagles fell to 2-8 and 1-5.

Tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth, Destani Baker led off by reaching base on an infield bobble and then went to second on a wild pitch.

She scored on a ball hit by Abby Hinson that got by the Eagle third baseman for another error. Singles by Alex Harrison and Olivia Cioccalanti plated two more runs, increasing the Patriot advantage to 4-1.

Looking for some insurance, Robinson drove a triple to left center in the sixth. That opportunity was erased on an out at the plate. But the next batter, Alexis Gibson, almost hit the ball out of the park to left, settling for a triple.

Lizzie Smith picked up the RBI on a ground ball to short, making it 5-1.

Still looking strong, Robinson gave up a lead-off single in the seventh before the Patriot infield took care of the final three outs of the game.

"I came into the game thinking we have to make up for the other two games and we did," Robinson said. "We got some good hits and we played better in the field."

Goins added, "Even though she's got a little leg injury, Keely is still pitching like we need her to be, and our catcher (Harrison) is playing great too."

At Jack Britt on Tuesday, the Patriots trailed 9-0 before a triple by Lindsay Parkin and a single by Cioccalanti sparked a three-run fifth inning.

Jennica Denham had a single as the Pats scored their final run in the sixth of the 11-4 loss.

Pinecrest's next game is not until Tuesday, April 21, at Scotland County.