The Toll Gate softball team fell to visiting Barrington 17-5 last week at Winslow Park to drop to 0-2 this season.

The Eagles got off to a fast start, taking a 10-0 lead in the first inning. Although Toll Gate reliever Delaney Wilson settled things down in the ensuing innings and the Titan bats came to life down the stretch, it was not enough to overcome the rough start.

“Delaney kept us in it. (Starting pitcher) Emma (Harrold) is off to a tough start but she’ll work the kinks out. I’m glad to have both of those girls and they’re going to do a lot for us as we continue through the season,” said Toll Gate coach Shana Willis. “I saw a lot of positives, the score does not reflect that. I saw a lot more focus on the field, defense was better and the girls stayed positive. They’re a fighting team.”

Barrington took an 11-1 advantage into the fourth inning before Toll Gate would take off at the plate, scoring four runs and cutting into the lead.

Barrington’s offense would respond, though, in the top half of the fifth and put up six more runs to close out the game in five innings.

Ellie Goldman led Toll Gate with two RBI while Katie Motta and Amanda Preston also knocked in runs. Wilson finished with five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings work in the circle.

Willis feels that the Titans’ offense needs to learn to get rolling fast.

“We’re a strong hitting team and it took us a little bit to get the bats woken up. We got off to a late start which made it tough, but they know that they need to get the bats going sooner,” Willis said.

The Titans dropped their first game of the year in an 8-7 decision to Narragansett. As the team looks for answers early this season, Willis will be looking to the veterans to lead the way and use last year’s playoff run to their advantage.

“The experience will help the younger girls this season. Right now, it’s about shaking off the dust. We actually took a step in the right direction today, so I am not too disappointed,” said Willis.

Toll Gate will be back at it on Thursday morning when it takes on Lincoln.