On Wednesday, April 19, in a home non-conference game, the Panthers beat Clifton Central, 8-1. According to Coach Josh Carlile, lightning shortened the game but, before it did, the Panthers were able to get in a solid performance. Ava Peterson did it all, going 3-3, including a triple, run, and RBI. Peterson also picked up the win in the circle, giving up 2 hits and 1 run, in addition to 6 strikeouts. Macy Iwanus and Jaz Manau also added a triple each, while Syd Sosnowski sparked the offense with a bunt hit as a part of her 2-2 day.
Then on Friday, April 21, the Panthers were home and faced Ottawa’s Marquette High School, again having a cause for celebration with the 9-8 win. As the score indicated, it was a close game, with Manteno scoring 9 runs, on 14 hits, along with 1 error. Marquette had a respectable 8 runs, on 13 hits, and no errors.
Coach Carlile indicated that finally, after several close losses in the last couple of weeks, the team was able to turn the tables against a solid Ottawa Marquette team. After falling behind 1-7 early on, the Panthers began chipping away. Entering the bottom of the seventh, they still trialed 4-8, but with 2 girls on, Drew Hosselton smashed a deep home run. Jaz Manau followed that with a triple, and then Kenzie Hespen doubled to tie the game. Continuing the rally, the Panthers loaded the bases before Ava Pequette hit a walk-off single to secure the win.
Alyssa Dralle pitched a complete game, giving up 7 early runs before settling in, then giving up only one run in the last five innings. Lily Bivona had a solid day going 4-for-5. While Jaz Manau was 3-for-4, along with Macy Iwanus and Syd Sosnowski both adding two hits.
As the week ended, the Panthers are 12-6 overall and 6-2 in ICE.