The contest began as a defensive struggle, as both teams remained scoreless through the fifth inning.

Page broke the stalemate in the top of the sixth inning by scoring two runs. Rappahannock answered in the bottom of the sixth when senior catcher Noel Johns cracked a single that allowed freshman pitcher Megan Early to score from second base.

But the visitors scored another two runs in the seventh inning and Rappahannock was unable to mount a comeback from the 4-1 deficit.

Despite the loss, Rappahannock coach Richie Burke said he was pleased with his team's performance.

"We got some things to work on but it wasn't a bad game at all," Burke said. "The score doesn't really reflect the whole game. We played a tight game."

Rappahannock, which won the Bull Run District regular-season title last year, has several freshmen and sophomores playing in key roles this season. Burke said it takes some time for new players to adjust to the varsity level.

"It's early in the season, that's why we play these games before going into the district," Burke said. "I'm still very confident about how we're going to do."

Injuries to Rappahannock's first two pitchers, senior Crystal Heflin and junior Amanda Smoot, have thrust Early into a starting position on the mound.

"She's really stepped up and carried the ball," Burke said. "She's done an excellent job and I've been really proud of her."

Early pitched complete games Saturday against Luray and Tuesday against Page. She also pitched the final three innings of a 16-3 win over Warren County on March 13.

The next game for Rappahannock (1-2) is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight at Warren County.

E-mail the reporter at kallen@timespapers.com.