Three Wins for Panther Softball Equals Perfect Week!

On Monday, April 24, the Panther varsity softball team faced conference foe Streator, at home, winning 11-1. The Panthers scored 11 runs, on 11 hits, with 1 error, while Streator tallied 1 run, on 6 hits, along with committing 2 errors.

Coach Josh Carlile noted the team scored early and often before cruising to the 11-1 victory. Kenzie Hespen led the way, going 3-3 on the day, including 3 RBIs. Ava Pequette added 2 runs, on 2 hits, while Alyssa Dralle also had 2 runs, in addition to 2 RBIs. Ava Peterson did a nice job in the circle, giving up only 1 run, on 6 hits, along with 4 strikeouts.

In the Tuesday, April 25, away repeat contest against Streator, the Panthers came home with an amazing 18-9 victory.

According to Coach Carlile, “We played a great game, but didn’t close it out, and the final score was a lot closer than the game really was. Our bats were hot tonight, pounding out 18 hits, including 8 for extra bases, while Alyssa Dralle pitched a solid game.”

On the day, Drew Hosselton and Alyssa Dralle both homered. Lily Bivona, Ava Paquette, and Kenzie Hespen each also had a big day. Lily had 3 hits, 3 runs, and 2 RBIs, Ava scored 4 runs in addition to 2 RBIs on a two-hit day, while Kenzie tallied 3 hits, 3 runs, and 1 RBI.

Continuing, the Coach added, “We gave up a couple of big swings in the seventh but, other than that, Alyssa had 6 strikeouts and no walks.

To finish the week’s action, on Wednesday, April 26, the ladies faced Palos Height’s Shepard High School, in a home non-conference contest, winning 8-5. The Panthers scored 8 runs, on 14 hits, while Shepard had 5 runs, also on 14 hits, along with 2 errors. Macy Iwanus, who was on the mound, was credited with the win and is 2-0 on the season.

“Our defense stepped up tonight,” Coach Carlile said, while commenting on the game. “Macy Iwanus pitched to contact and trusted our defense to make the plays. Our outfield caught pretty much everything hit into the outfield and kept us in the game. Offensively, we made good contact up and down the lineup.”

For the Panthers, Syd Sosnowski and Lily Bivona led the way with three hits apiece, with each also scoring 2 runs. Jaz Manau added 2 RBIs, with a double off the fence, while Ava Pequette added a triple.

Overall the Panthers are 15-6 and 8-2 in ICE.