The Lake Mills softball team has dealt with an assortment of issues throughout its stormy season, but head coach Stacie Gaskill was able to find the silver lining of a 5-2 loss to Forest City Friday in Forest City.

“I think we came out and played a lot better this time,” said Gaskill, whose team lost 2-0 in 13 innings earlier in the season to the Indians. “Offensively we were making contact.”

Last time out Forest City starter Holly Gilbertson struck out 17 Bulldog hitters and gave up just four hits.

The second time around Lake Mills (17-10, 5-6 NIC) had four hits and struck out just four times, which was improvement for Gaskill.

The Indians took the lead in the first inning with a single run, but Lake Mills tied it in the second when Jordynn Brackey scored. But in the third Forest City took the lead once again and later added three runs in the fifth for the 5-2 final.

The Bulldogs weren’t able to piece hits together as Sammy Nelson had a lone hit in the third, Morgan Aalgaard had a single in the fourth.

Josie Brackey pitched seven innings and gave up five runs on five hits, including a home run and two doubles.

“Overall I think we played them better than last time,” Gaskill said.

Lake Mills faces Osage in its regular season finale in Osage.

Forest City 5, Lake Mills 2

Lake Mills 010 000 1 — 2 4 3

Forest City 101 030 x — 5 5 1

WP — Holly Gilbertson 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

LP — Josie Brackey 7 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K