Pana used timely hitting and a strong performance in the circle to secure a 4-2 victory over Central A&M in a solid all-around effort.
The Panthers struck early in the bottom of the first inning, as Jolianna Morrison delivered a key two-run double to bring home Norah Kingery and Kennedy Bowker, giving Pana a quick 2-0 lead. They added to that advantage in the second when Adrianna Perry executed a sacrifice bunt that allowed Bella Bennett to score, extending the lead to 3-0.
Central A&M answered in the third inning. After Sydney Younker worked her way into scoring position, Rylee Hazelwand came through with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Raiders threatened again later, but Pana continued to make plays defensively to limit the damage.
The Panthers picked up an insurance run in the third inning as Tess Casner singled to center, bringing home Bri Mathis and pushing the lead to 4-1.
Central A&M added one more run in the sixth inning on a groundout by Whitney Cochran that scored Hazelwand, but that would be as close as they would get.
Joey Laker was dominant in the circle for Pana, going the distance while allowing just three hits and no earned runs, striking out eight. Central A&M pitcher Claire Robertson battled through six innings, striking out seven, but Pana capitalized on key opportunities early.
Top Performers
Central A&M
- Rylee Hazelwand: 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 R
- Olivia Kerby: 2-3
- Sydney Younker: 1 R
- Claire Robertson: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Pana
- Jolianna Morrison: 2-3, 2 RBI (2B)
- Norah Kingery: 2-4, 1 R
- Kennedy Bowker: 1-3, 1 R
- Bri Mathis: 1-3, 1 R
- Tess Casner: 1-2, 1 RBI
- Joey Laker: 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K