Watching her Tigers split last week’s games with two Independencebased schools made something clear to Excelsior Springs coach Megan Gilbertson about this varsity softball season. “We have to be able to focus on the fundamentals of fielding the softball and throwing it,” Gilbertson said. “We need to come out the rest of the season playing loose and trusting our skills and instincts to make plays.” The Tigers made enough plays Aug. 30 to get a 12-8 road win in nine innings over William Chrisman. The win resulted in part from two big innings – a four-run second and a five-run ninth. Offensively, Excelsior Springs collected 15 hits and drew four walks. In addition, three batters reached base when they were hit by a pitch. The Tigers also capitalized on three Chrisman errors. First-year high schoolers Josie Casler, Bella Loeffert and Willa Schreier each collected three hits to help power the Tigers to victory. Loef...