The postseason atmosphere was in full effect as the Pana Panthers took the field for regional playoff softball action against the St. Anthony Bulldogs. Despite a strong effort from Pana throughout the evening, St. Anthony used a big fourth inning to pull away and secure a 6-1 victory.
Pana showed early signs of momentum in the opening inning when Joey Laker ripped a single into center field to give the Panthers a baserunner. However, St. Anthony’s defense turned a double play later in the inning to escape trouble and keep the game scoreless.
The Panthers broke through first in the top of the second inning. Bri Mathis started the rally with a single, while Bella Bennett followed by drawing a walk. Norah Kingery then lined a single into right field to load the bases and put pressure on the Bulldogs’ defense. Moments later, Tess Casner was hit by a pitch, forcing home Bri Mathis and giving Pana a 1-0 lead.
Joey Laker was strong in the circle early for the Panthers, retiring the Bulldogs in order during the first inning and collecting a strikeout in the second. St. Anthony finally answered in the bottom of the third when Sylvie Schumacher doubled to left field and later scored on a double by Lilly Gannaway, tying the game at 1-1.
Pana threatened again in the top of the third inning. Joey Laker singled for the second time in the game, while Addasyn Casner and Bri Mathis followed with base hits to load the bases. The Bulldogs, however, managed to limit the damage and keep the game tied heading into the later innings.
The turning point came during the bottom of the fourth. St. Anthony capitalized on several scoring opportunities and defensive miscues to plate five runs in the inning. Claire Kinkelaar delivered a key two-run double, while additional runs crossed on a dropped third strike, a single from Sylvie Schumacher, and aggressive baserunning by the Bulldogs. Suddenly, Pana found itself trailing 6-1.
Despite the deficit, the Panthers continued to battle. Bella Bennett picked up a bunt single in the sixth inning, while Joey Laker added another hit in the seventh to finish a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Bri Mathis also had a strong offensive night, going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Laker handled the pitching duties for Pana, throwing all six innings while allowing seven hits and striking out three batters.
Pana finished the game with eight hits as a team. Joey Laker led the offense with three hits, while Bri Mathis contributed two hits. Addasyn Casner, Bella Bennett, and Norah Kingery each added one hit apiece.
Although the regional playoff run came to an end, the Panthers showed resilience throughout the contest and continued competing until the final out against a tough St. Anthony squad.
#25 Bri Mathis secures the Grounder and makes the Throw to #14 Addasyn Casner for the Out
#5 Norah Kingery with the Grounder and toss to #25 Bri Mathis for the Force out
#11 Joey laker with a Hard Hit single to Centerfield
#22 Kennedy Bowker making the Catch in Centerfield
#5 Norah Kingery secures the Grounder and makes the Throw to #14 Addasyn Casner for the Out
#22 Kennedy Bowker with a Hard Hit Single