On Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, the Lady Panthers were in action in Iowa for the Taylor Ridge Rockridge Tournament. This tournament boasts some of the best teams from around the state, with the Panthers finishing 2-0-2 and playing really well, while facing teams that had 82 combined wins.
On Friday in their first game of the tourney, Manteno beat United Township, 9-1, in five innings. On the day, the Panthers scored 3 runs in the third, plus an additional 6 in the fifth for the win. They had 12 hits in the contest, while keeping United Township to 1 run, on 3 hits. Alyssa Dralle increased her victories on the hill to 14-0, and allowed only 1 run, on 3 hits, along with 2 Ks.
In the second game of the day, the Panthers faced Normal West and again brought home another 5-inning victory. Normal West scored 3 runs, on 10 hits, along with 2 errors, while Manteno had 7 runs, on 8 hits, and no boots. Ava Peterson, whose record increased to 10-0, allowed no free passes, while striking out 4.
On Saturday, May 11, the Panthers ended the day with two 5-all ties.
In the first game and their third of the tourney, the Panthers faced Biggsville West Central, with the contest ending at 5-all after 7-1/2 innings. Manteno scored 5 runs, on 6 hits, along with 2 errors, while Biggsville, also with 5 runs and 2 errors, managed 10 hits in the contest. Macy Iwanus was on the mound for the Panthers, and her record now stands at 5-1-1.
Then in game 4, Dralle again was on the mound, going 3 innings and allowing 1 run, on 2 hits, in the contest that also ended 5-all. Iwanus came in in relief for 2 innings, allowing 4 runs, on 4 hits, plus 3 walks.
Returning home and with a little rest, the Panthers faced rival Peotone on Wednesday, May 15, in regional semifinal play-off action, which resulted in a 2-0 shutout performance for Manteno.
“Wow, what a pitching duel. A total of two hits (one for each team), along with 26 total strike outs. I was very impressed with our girls and how they found a way to push runs using aggressive base running and getting a timely hit. At this point of the season, it isn’t about how you advance, it’s only about advancing,” said Coach Josh Carlile.
Alyssa Dralle was the winning pitcher, going all 7 innings while allowing only 1 hit in the shutout, in addition to 12 strikeouts and no walks. Her record stands at 15-0-1 for the season.
But a glorious season finally came to a close on Friday, May 17, as the Lady Panthers recorded only their second loss of the season, this time to Coal City, 4-7, in seven innings of regional final play. This was the third time the Panthers and Coalers faced each other this year, with the Panthers taking two-out-of-the three games.
According to Coach Carlile, “Nobody likes to end their season. The adage that it’s hard to beat a good team three times proved true. Coal City played a good game, and you have to give them credit, they hit the ball hard tonight and ran the bases hard. We didn’t make the plays, and that hurt us. We gave up 7 runs but only 2 were earned. In big games, the team that makes the least mistakes usually wins. I am proud of this team and their accomplishments, including 30 wins and a conference championship!”
There really is little more to say than thank you, Panthers, for a great season!! It truly was exciting, and you made us all proud!!