ST. LOUIS, MO - The Principia Softball team continued to show good progress through a tough challenge on Tuesday evening against one of the top teams in the conference, the Fontbonne Griffins.
In the third inning of game one, the Panthers finally got on the scoreboard for the first time this season. Heather Savoye led off with a single, followed by another single for Gracie Paul (one of three her hits on the night). Starting pitcher Avery Cobb stepped into the box looking for her first collegiate RBI, and she delivered with a single into center, scoring Savoye and sending Paul to third. Captain Rosie Paul then put the ball into play for an RBI groundout, as her sister Gracie beat the throw home. It was an exciting inning for Principia, as Cobb proceeded to pitch a shutout inning in the bottom of the third.
Principia ultimately lost both games of the doubleheader in five innings, but there were other impressive moments for the Panthers to highlight. Victoria Columbus had a solid second game as she also shutout the Griffins in the bottom of the third, and she got her first collegiate hit. Freshmen Louisa Longshore and Leslie Barrera – each playing their first ever season of softball – both caught blistering line drives at third base and second base, respectively. Heather Savoye made a diving catch in shallow left center to take away what looked like a sure base hit.
Once again, the games was all about teamwork for the Panthers as they demonstrated spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Teammates were cheering each other on every at bat and with every defensive hustling effort. All of this was so evident that after the games, Fontbonne's coach asked Coach Crecelius if she could speak to the Panthers' team. In addition to individually complementing two of Principia's players, she said that on behalf of the whole conference, she wanted them to know how much they appreciated Principia fielding a team that is in early development stages. She congratulated the team on an outstanding effort and implored them to keep working on getting better every day.
Up Next: The Panthers will host Webster University on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at noon.
