By Jim Piacentini
The Manteno Lady Panthers began their week April 22 with a very exciting conference contest against the Streator Bulldogs, which resulted in a 4-hit shutout for the Panthers. In the 6-0 victory, the Panthers scored 6 runs, on 8 hits.
“This was a great softball game played by both sides,” stated Coach Josh Carlile. “Alyssa Dralle pitched one heck of a game, giving up only 4 hits, with 5 Ks. She pitched to soft contact, and the defense played flawlessly. The offense was led by Ava Peterson with 3 hits, which included a triple, double, 3 RBIs, and 3 runs, while Kenzie Hespen chipped in 2 hits, with an RBI.”
The Panthers just keep on rolling.
Tuesday, April 23, the Panthers traveled to Streator to face the Bulldogs again, with the same results – this time they brought home a 15-2 victory.
According to Coach Carlile, “The long bus trip to Streator didn’t slow the bats down, as we jumped out early. Every girl in the starting lineup hit the ball hard and so did several of our subs. I was very pleased with how well we hit a solid pitcher tonight.”
Ava Peterson took the win, allowing 2 runs, on 6 hits, along with 5 strikeouts. Her record currently stands at 6-0 on the season.
Wednesday, April 24, the Panthers faced Shepard and bought home a 13-2 victory in the 6-inning game, with Macy Iwanus taking the win on the hill.
“We picked a nice win against an athletic Shepard team tonight,” said Coach Carlile. “It was nice to see a quality pitching and hitting team. Macy Iwanus did a great job in the circle getting plenty of groundouts the defense took care of. On the offensive side we hit the ball well up and down the lineup. Four girls (Ava Peterson, Jaz Manau, Gabby Monterastelli, and Alyssa Dralle) recorded multi-hit games. Manau led the offense with a double and triple, 3 RBIs, and a run scored.”