Despite building an early six-run lead, the Pana Varsity Panthers were unable to hold off a late surge, falling 14-11 to Maroa-Forsyth in a high-scoring contest on Monday.
The game featured plenty of offense on both sides, with Pana tallying nine hits while Maroa-Forsyth finished with 14 in a back-and-forth matchup that ultimately swung on one explosive inning.
Pana came out strong early, breaking the game open in the top of the second inning. The Panthers capitalized on a mix of patience at the plate and timely hitting to score six runs. Addasyn Casner got things started by drawing a bases-loaded walk to bring in the first run. Norah Kingery followed with a clutch single that drove in two more. Jolianna Morrison added another run with a walk, and two defensive errors by Maroa-Forsyth allowed the inning to snowball, giving Pana a commanding early advantage.
However, momentum shifted dramatically in the bottom of the fourth inning. Trailing 7-2 entering the frame, Maroa-Forsyth erupted for 10 runs on seven hits to completely flip the game. The rally included multiple extra-base hits and disciplined at-bats, highlighted by a two-run double from Kalli Kahler on an 0-2 count. By the end of the inning, Maroa-Forsyth had surged ahead 12-7.
Pana battled back and continued to apply pressure offensively, but was unable to fully recover from the big inning. The Panthers finished with 11 runs on nine hits, showing resilience throughout the contest.
Jolianna Morrison led the way offensively for Pana, driving in three runs from the heart of the lineup. Bri Mathis and Kennedy Bowker each contributed two hits, while Casner demonstrated strong plate discipline with two walks as part of a five-walk team effort.
In the circle, Joey Laker took the loss for Pana, pitching six innings and allowing 14 runs (10 earned) on 14 hits while walking six. Despite the tough outing, Pana’s defense and pitching were tested heavily by Maroa-Forsyth’s consistent offensive pressure.
For Maroa-Forsyth, Abby Rider earned the win, going five and one-third innings while allowing five runs on five hits, striking out two and walking two. Jacy Ravenscraft started the game, pitching one and two-thirds innings and giving up six runs.
Offensively, Maroa-Forsyth was led by Lainey Larner, who drove in four runs from the middle of the lineup. Aubrey Stewart paced the team with three hits in five at-bats, while Kahler, Maliyah Hunter, and Rider each added multiple hits. The team also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, with Adelyn Simmons and Kylee Shoemaker each earning two free passes.
In the end, Maroa-Forsyth’s explosive fourth inning proved to be the difference in a game filled with offensive production and momentum swings.
Pana will look to bounce back quickly as they return home to host Newton in their next matchup on Tuesday.
Kennedy Bowker makes the throw to Kezley Doty for the Tag Out at Home
Bella Bennet secures the Grounder and Throw to Bri Mathis for the Out
Kennedy Bowker finding herself at 2nd with a Double RBI