The first loss was understandable, but the second defeat was less bearable for Coach Fred Ross, as he watched his Wright City girls basketball team drop a pair of contests in the Clopton Tournament last week.The Wildcats were unable to advance to the trophy round, quickly shifting into the consolation bracket after a 81-22 loss to third-seeded Elsberry on Wednesday.“We played poorly and they pressed us pretty well,” said Ross. “They’re a good team, and they go six players deep.”The Indians led 45-12 by halftime.“We didn’t match up with them being quick and big,” said Ross.Orlanda Hill was responsible for half of the Wildcats’ points, netting 11.“She had a pretty good game offensively,” said Ross.Wright City returned on Thursday to face No. 7 Monroe City, whom Ross thought the Wildcats would match up better against.His team controlled much of the game, leading the way until surrendering a fourth-quarter lead in a 44-36 defeat.“We played really well through three quarters, but then in the fourth quarter we got away from our gameplan,” said Ross.Kayla Jefferson had paced the Wildcats with 11 points, helping her team to a 19-15 halftime advantage.“She had one of her better games,” acknowledged Ross.Orlanda Hill also had a strong first half, netting nine points before becoming nonexistent in the final two quarters where she hit just one free throw.Brittany McPike assumed much of the responsibility in the second half, scoring 10 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter.“With Brittany out, we have to change our defense and don’t have that person to lead us,” said Ross.Wright City entered the fourth quarter in control 31-25 before being outscored 19-6. Ross says ill-advised shots and turnovers resulted in the meltdown.“We were inconsistent and started (the fourth quarter) with four straight turnovers,” said Ross. “We need better decision-making by our guards, and our juniors need to step up.”The Wildcats also began to break down defensively. After allowing Monroe City’s Asjia Troy just six points through the first three quarters, Wright City allowed her to score 10 in the final eight minutes.“We didn’t react and played poor defense in fourth quarter,” said Ross. “We started fouling and quit moving our feet.”The Wildcats have just one game over the next 10 days, having hosted Valley Park on Wednesday night.“We have to work a little bit on zone offense, but really on communication and close-game situations,” explained Ross of his intentions for practice. “We need to focus on staying in our offense and executing.”