Elsah, IL. -- The Panthers were back at home today for a conference match up against the Blackburn Beavers. The Panthers were explosive in their offensive and defensive attack, enabling them to get ahead early and secure two wins.
Game 1:Â Principia 5, Blackburn 1
The Panther defense came out strong, shutting down the Beavers right away. There was a new fire and focus on the field; something the Panthers have been missing. It was exciting to see the connection and energy happening on defense.
Leah Schaefer was on the rubber for game one and had an excellent day at the ball park. She was hitting her spots and drawing out ground balls and fly outs. With a re-energized defense, the Beavers were only able to put up one run.
Principia Softball's offense finally showed up today the way it has always been capable of. With eleven hits for the game, the Panthers were able to put up five runs. Everyone produced throughout the lineup with hits, RBIs, or sacrifices.
Emily Hewitt and
Hannah Hathaway each hit two singles while
Alyssa Hudenburg,
Lauren Daugherty,
Leah Schaefer,
Genie Nyiramana,
Ashley Noville, and
Tanya Marquardt each hit one single. Game one's only double goes to
Hannah Hathaway. RBIs for the game go to Hudenberg, Hathaway, Nyiramana, and Marquardt.
Game 2:Â Principia 8, Blackburn 4
After enjoying their first win of the season, the Panthers came right back out with the same fire and focus for game two, shutting down the Beavers in the first inning.
Leah Schaefer was back on the rubber for game two, continuing to hit her spots and set up Blackburn's offense to hit ground balls and pop flies. The Panthers seemed to get into tough situations every other inning, but managed to stay poised and get themselves out of potentially big-scoring innings.
Tanya Marquardt had a notable play today in center field, making a critical diving catch to keep the Beavers from having a big inning.
The Panther offense came out ready to attack again, putting up one run in the first inning. The entire batting order continued to produce, racking up a total of twelve hits and bringing in eight runs.
Alyssa Hudenburg,
Lauren Daugherty, and
Leah Schaefer each hit two singles, and
Emily Hewitt,
Genie Nyiramana, and
Tanya Marquardt each hit one single.
Emily Hewitt and
Hannah Hathaway each hit a double, and Hathaway hit her first triple of the season. RBIs go to Hudenburg, Hathaway, Daugherty,
Sarai Marcano, Nyiramana, and Hewitt who had two. All three aspects of the game- hitting, pitching, and fielding- were in sync today, and the Panthers played their best double header of the season.
Up Next:
Principia will face the Fontbonne Griffins at home this Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Come out to support the team!
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