Errors, dropped balls and sloppy defensive execution dissipate the Warriors’ chances of victory from the start of regulation.

El Camino softball (6-6) was blown out 19-3, after five innings, in its South Coast Conference opener against the visiting Cerritos College Falcons (8-3).

The Warriors have been in a slump lately, having lost their previous four games and this contest proved to be the same as nothing went right for the home team from start to finish.

El Camino used four different pitchers in this game; starting pitcher Natalie Francis, freshman, pitched one full inning allowing five hits and eight runs before being pulled out in the second inning.

“We need to get ahead of batters better,” Warriors head coach Jessica Rapoza said. “We also need make the routine play defensively when the ball is put in play.”

The visitors were not bothered by the Warriors home-field advantage and came out ready to take care of business.

The Falcons made contact 18 times in 33 at-bats with only one error. El Camino had just four hits in 19 at-bats, while racking up six costly errors.

The Falcons carried on the momentum to erupt for a nine-run second inning, diminishing the Warriors hopes to open conference play with a win.

“We’re in a bad slump right now and I’m not sure how were going to get out of it,” third baseman Maleigha Quintero, freshman, said. “We just need to be tougher (mentally) and find a way to get over this.”

The Warriors will try to bounce back when it hosts the Los Angeles Harbor College Seahawks (2-5) for their second SCC matchup of the season on Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.

“We didn’t play like we normally do,” freshman outfielder Raelani Camez said. “We need to work harder and stay mentally focused so we can give out more effort than we have been giving.