The Jackson Memorial High School girls softball team has suffered a pair of tough losses to open the 2008 campaign. After being blanked by Lacey on opening day, 4-0, the Lady Jags were the victims of a 7-5 extra-inning loss Monday to Toms River North.

Second-year coach Chris Roma remains optimistic, however, despite the setbacks.He realizes every time you step on the field against an A South opponent, it's like going to war.

"Thosewere two very good teams," Roma said. "They are well coached and know how to compete. Every single game in this division is a dog fight. I talk to our kids all the time about being ready to play. We have to focus mentally for each game. Mental mistakes in this division will hurt you."

Indeed, Jackson made a key mistake, which led to the loss against TRN. The Lady Jags had a 4-2 lead in the sixth inningwhen theMariners capitalized on a Jackson error to knot the game at 4-all. Toms River North eventually went on to win the game in the 10th inning.

"Anytime you give a team like Toms River North an opportunity, they're going to take advantage of it," Roma said. "That's what they did against us. We would have been out of the inning with a two-run lead if we didn't have themistake.Against the better teams, your concentration and execution needs to be at its best."

Jackie Reedwent 3-for-5,which included a pair of doubles to lead the Jackson offense. Roma praised the work of his sophomore shortstop.

"She is playing extremely well," Roma said. "She is going to be a really good player for us. She is still very young, and she is performing at a very high level. She is swinging the bat very well."

Jaclene Ruffler added an extra base hit, while pitcher Marisa Soprano struck out eight in taking the loss.

"We played a very good game," Roma said. "Wemade that onemistake and it cost us.We did a good job of shutting themdown until the 10th inning.Marisa was spectacular out there. She kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win. It's a shame we couldn't have got a win for her."

Last year,Roma hadBrittanyEckett and Stephanie Byster to pull the team through in tough games. Bothwere four-year players who led the team on and off the field.

"Not only were they great players, but they had great presence on the field aswell," Roma said. "They led by example and showed our younger girls how they were supposed to respond to certain situations. There is no question we are missing them early on."