The number "one" has become Lawton softball's worst enemy.
The Wolverines dropped a five-run lead in a 6-5 loss to Norman North at home on Monday, marking the fourth time this season they have lost by one run.
Lawton coach Michael Carrillo said she views the narrow defeats as a positive because she can see improvement from performances last year.
"We've really talked to the girls because we've lost a couple in the last week by one," Carrillo said. "Last year we were losing ballgames by 10, so we have to lose a couple like this to get better and be better. They'll fall our way, but it didn't happen today."
The Wolverines clung to a 1-0 lead through the first two innings, but a flurry of hits gave them the breathing room they desired.
Anjelica Gonzalez connected for a double to get things started in the third, and Tyiesha Anderson brought her home two batters later with a double of her own, bringing the score to 2-0.
Not to be outdone by her teammates, Tamara Toles struck an impactful blow to the Timberwolves, launching an inside-the-park home run to center field to score three more runs to give Lawton a five-run advantage.
It looked like the Wolverines were well on their way to their second win, but Norman North had other ideas.
Leah Brandon responded with a score shortly after delivering a triple to deep left field, and Adrianna Swan followed suit with a double to right field to give the T'Wolves some much-needed momentum. Swan scored on a wild pitch shortly after to cut the deficit to 5-2.
Norman North pitcher Zoe Straughn took over from there, allowing only two more hits the rest of the game. Straughn finished with four strikeouts, giving up seven hits.
The T'Wolves completed the comeback in the fifth with four-straight hits, including a triple from Alex Martin, to take a 6-5 lead they wouldn't surrender.
McKenzie Kalchik replaced MeKayla Blount, who gave up 10 hits, on the mound for Lawton in the fifth inning, throwing a no-hitter to close out the game, but the Wolverines were unable to capitalize.
Carrillo said though it was a painful loss given the circumstances, she remains upbeat about Lawton's future.
"It's bitter sweet because I think it'll get better," Carrillo said. "The program has come a long way, and there's nowhere else to go but up. We're getting close. We're knocking on the door, but we're just not there yet.
"We just gotta keep doing what we're doing, and it'll fall in our direction. We're still a really young squad , and we make silly mistakes. I'd rather lose them like this than lose in five (innings)."
Lawton (1-4) plays again tomorrow against Yukon on the road at 6:30 p.m.