ELSAH, IL – The Principia Softball team held their first home games in two years on Friday as new SLIAC opponent Lyon College came to Elsah for a doubleheader. A big crowd of over 100 people came out to support the women's momentous occasion.
The Panthers softball program returned this season after a one-year hiatus due to not having enough players to field a team in 2023. Head coach
Grace Burrows took over the program last spring and began rebuilding it from the ground up as she only had two returning players to build around. After bringing in four softball recruits and finding six other athletes on campus that wanted to join the team, the Panthers had enough players to play a shortened JV schedule in 2024. Prior to Friday, Principia had already played four road doubleheaders, and despite losing every game, they have been continually improving as a few players had little to no softball experience beforehand.
Lyon was able to win both games on Friday, but there were many positives on the Principia side. First and foremost, the offense had a great day scoring seven runs combined between the two games, which is one more than the team had scored all season in their previous eight games. The offensive highlight of the day was junior
Avery Cobb hitting her second home run of the season in game two (she hit her first last Saturday at Blackburn). Cobb led Principia with three hits on the day, and overall, six of the ten Panthers got a hit over the two games.
Cobb and
Emma Garcia did well on the mound for the Panthers, each recording scoreless frames.
Ella Straber was a wall behind the plate catching for them as always.
Megan Lupton was a leader making great plays at short stop as well as showing off her bat with two hits and a team-high three runs batted in.
Isabella Pierce stepped up to play a new position and did it with confidence.
Samantha Goodrich hit a line drive to left field for her first hit of the season.
Genesis Santiago protected the outfield with great catches in center field.
Haley Rudd showed her big arm with great throws home from left field.
Alex Kibbe hit a double to drive in her teammate during game two.
Emma Franklin showed great leadership with her vocals in the infield.
Coach Burrows said afterwards: "It was great to softball back on Principia campus! None of this could happen without the help of baseball coaches, game day staff, and the support from our campus and community!"
Up Next: The Panthers will play one final doubleheader this season when they host Fontbonne University on April 20th at noon.
