The Lady Panthers began their week on the road with a game against Reed-Custer’s Comets and added a 12-6 victory to their record. Ava Peterson picked up her fourth win on the mound and gave up 6 runs, on 10 hits, along with 2 Ks in the seven-inning game. The Panthers scored 12 runs on 15 hits, along with 2 errors.
“Both teams hit the ball well tonight,” said Coach Josh Carlile. “I was proud of how our defense made plays to shut down innings. Leading the way on a big hitting day were Ava Peterson (3 hits), Syd Sosnowski (3 hits, including a triple, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBIs) and Kenzie Hespen (3 hits, with a double and a triple, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBIs).
Then on Tuesday, April 9, the Panthers double-backed and faced the Reed-Custer Comets on their home field in a real nail-biter. But the Panthers prevailed and scored 5 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to squeak out a 10-9 win.
According to Coach Carlile, “You play until 21 outs have been recorded. Tonight, we needed all 21, completing the comeback in the bottom of the seventh with 2 outs. Alyssa Singleton finished the rally with a 2-run double to seal the win. Our hitting saved us tonight, as Reed-Custer put the ball in play consistently. We needed to find a way to win, and out-scoring them seemed to be the formula tonight.”
In relief, Alyssa Dralle picked-up her sixth win of the season. On the day, Manteno scored 10 runs – with 5 in the seventh for the win, on 11 hits, along with 2 errors. For Reed-Custer, the Comets had 9 runs, on 15 hits, but committed 3 errors.
The Panthers faced the Homewood-Flossmoor Vikings on their home turf, on Wednesday, April 10, scoring a 9-2 victory to the delight of their fans. Alyssa Dralle got the win in the seven-inning victory and gave up 2 runs, on 9 hits, along with 3 strikeouts. She currently is 7-0.
“Tonight was a perfect example of a game that felt closer than the final score reflected. I felt confident with how Alyssa was pitching, and the defense was working behind her. HF is athletic, and they tracked down a lot of hard-hit balls that kept us out of several big innings,” noted Coach Carlile.
On the day, the Panthers had 9 runs, on 13 hits, with 1 error.
Then, on Thursday, April 11, in a very busy week of action, the Panthers beat the Wilmington Wildcats 7-3 at home.
According to Coach Carlile, “We were very pleased with our approach at the plate tonight. Eight of our starters recorded at least one hit, with five girls recording multiple hits. Gabby Monterastelli drove a triple to break the game open. Although Molly Southall really hit the ball hard for Wilmington, recording 2 hits (a three-bagger and a HR), I felt like Ava did a really nice job pitching to contact and letting our defense do the work.”
Ava Peterson took the win on the hill, allowing 3 runs, on 6 hits, along with 6 Ks. The Panthers scored 7 runs on 13 hits in the contest.
“What a week. Five games in five days. I am really proud of my team. They have played hard!” That was the comment from Coach Carlile on Friday, after a rigorous week of play for the Panthers. Manteno finished their very hectic week with a resounding 16-5 trouncing of Wilmington on April 12.
“The bats were hot tonight. Macy Iwanus and Gabby Monterastelli both hit bombs. In our program, we play on a big field, so we spend a lot of time focusing on hitting gaps. Doubles are our stat that we take pride in. A mix of speed and power. With 7 doubles today, we were feeling great about our approach and execution,” Carlile continued.
Alyssa Dralle added to her winning record and now is 8-0, while giving up 5 runs, on 11 hits, along with 5 Ks. The Panthers scored 16 runs on 24 hits, but committed 2 errors. The Wildcats had 5 runs, on 11 hits, with 1 error.