Eureka, ILL. -- The Panthers traveled to Peoria for their first conference match-up of the season. Despite a good offensive effort, the Panthers were not able to pull out a win.
Game 1:Â Principia loses 11-1
The Panthers came out with more focus and intent today. The offense came out ready to attack, loading the bases in the first inning and pushing a run across the plate. Unfortunately, the Eureka offense found the gaps and dropped in bleeders to score runs. Some defensive errors allowed Eureka to stay in innings they did not deserve, and the Panthers quickly fell behind.
Principia came out more aggressive at the plate, but only produced three hits for the game. With five people left on base, the Panthers struggled to keep up with Eureka. Two of the team's hits go to
Emily Hewitt who had two hard singles to the opposite field. The team's third hit went to
Hannah Hathaway who had a a double.
Leah Schaefer hit in the team's only run.
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Game 2:Â Principia loses 12-4
The Panthers got off to a slow offensive start in game two, but was able to re-focus and put up three runs in the second inning.
Lauren Daugherty got the offense started with a double, and
Leah Schaefer followed with a single. Daugherty also had a single and an RBI, and
Emily Hewitt hit a double. While the bats seemed to be coming alive, the Panthers were unable to push enough runs across the plate to stay in the game.
Defensively, Principia's errors got them in to trouble in a hurry. Of Eureka's 12 runs, only 5 were earned. A lack of focus on the field caused Principia to fall behind, and the offense was not able to keep up.
The Panthers play at Westminster on Monday for their next conference match-up. They will need to attack first on offense and play tight defense against the Blue Jays.
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