NATCHEZ — The middle innings again proved to be frustrating for Trinity Episcopal Day School as the Lady Saints dropped to 0-3 in district play Tuesday night.

Trinity started off with an early lead against Brookhaven Academy, but the Lady Cougars began pulling away in the fifth and sixth innings en route to a 9-5 Lady Cougars win.

“It was a well-played game,” Trinity head coach Chris Hutchins said. “We had a little letdown in the middle where we made some errors, but I give Brookhaven credit. Early and late, we played well again.”

Trinity starter Kailey Hutchins went all seven innings, giving up nine runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and two walks. The Trinity defense also committed four errors, but Hutchins was complimentary of his team’s fielding overall.

“It was probably the longest outing of her career,” the elder Hutchins said. “The defense played well, and both of those facets feed off each other.”

Hutchins said he was especially pleased with the fielding of third baseman Mallory Lancaster, who made several good plays in the field.

“She’s improved game by game, and it’s because she’s taken a leadership role and responsibility in working hard,” Hutchins said.

A triple by Tali Beard got things started for Trinity in the bottom of the first, as Marty Lewis came home to score on Beard’s hit. A single by Lancaster brought home Beard, and Randa Morace later scored on a single by Carli Trisler.

Brookhaven responded with two runs in the top of the second to cut the lead 3-2. A two-out double by Maura Dunaway send home Natalie Keene. Dunaway came home on a single by Taylor Sanford.

The Lady Cougars took the lead in the top of the third when a single by Allison Livingston scored two and Keene came home on a wild pitch.

Trinity made it 5-4 in the bottom of the third with an RBI single by Hannah Fitt plated Lancaster. But Trinity wouldn’t score again until the bottom of the seventh when Morace came home on a passed ball.

Brookhaven Academy added another run in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by K.K. Jordan that sent home Anna Smith. The Lady Cougars added three more runs in the top of the sixth inning.

Olivia Lofton got the win for the Lady Cougars, going six innings and giving up five runs. Livingston relieved Lofton in the bottom of the seventh after a couple of runners reached base and got the final three outs for Brookhaven Academy.

Chris Hutchins said his team is now halfway through its district schedule and must quickly turn things around if it has any playoff aspirations.

“We have to bounce back in a pretty big way,” Hutchins said. “I believe Columbia Academy is in the lead at 3-0, but everyone’s still in it at this point.”

Trinity fell to 2-6 overall.