Since the high school baseball season started for the CCHS Panthers, cutting down runs against has become the name of the game, with their best turn on the diamond taking place in their home opener against the Fort Macleod Flyers on May 3.

Though the Flyers defeated the home team with a final score of 6-3 after a rainy game, Rob Amatto-Panthers head coach-saw improvement in his young team.

"We had a little better effort at the plate," he said after the game. "We had that inning where we came back and got ahead of these guys after being down. They never gave up."

Despite being frustrated the first three away games of the season, Amatto said he has started to witness more enthusiasm and confidence in his team.

"It was good to see them put the effort in," he said. "They were keen and wanted to get out there and try to win. It was good to see a little bit more enthusiasm in the guys this game instead of being so down."

Amatto said he was proud to see the coverage in not only the infield, but also the outfield as the young Panthers squad began to communicate strongly on the diamond.

Just as enthusiasm and confidence is slowly increasing, Amatto said it is hard for a young team to go up against other squads boasting experienced Grade 12 players. Currently, the CCHS Panthers do not have any Grade 12a-instead their roster is made up of players from grades 9, 10 and 11.

As the game ended, Amatto said the team welcomes kids with varying baseball skill levels to the team and is looking forward to the rest of the short spring season.

"I hope they come with even more enthusiasm than they had today and want to have some revenge on the guys who beat us pretty badly," he said. "Keep it close and maybe even win."

With the guys having recently returned from their Vulcan tournament-playing three games over the weekend-Amatto knows the tournament played a key role in the team's development.

"We're playing three games this weekend and it gives everyone a chance to play different positions, have a few days to rest and hopefully we'll be ready for that next home game," he said.

Amatto said both himself and assistant coach Corey Hill were happy with the May 3 game, but said they know there are many aspects the team can work on.

"They're willing to learn, but it's going to take time," he said. "We don't have a 50 game schedule and that's a problem."

Currently, the coaching staff of the CCHS Panthers are trying to find which position each player is best suited to play.

"We're trying guys at different spots and seeing who can handle the pressure," Amatto said.