Lady Panthers snatch 4th Region All “A” Classic title again

The Russellville Lady Panthers softball team claimed their fourth straight 4th Region All “A” Classic title with wins over Cumberland County and district rivals the Todd County Central Lady Rebels Saturday. The Lady Panthers battled it out with Cumberland County picking up the 4-3 victory in 10 innings played. As for the game against the Lady Rebels, the Lady Panthers ran away with a 13-3 win in just five innings. A historic run for the program having claimed five Class A Regional Championships in six seasons.

It was a fight through 10 innings as the Lady Panthers fell behind during the bottom of the third inning as Cumberland County took a 3-1 lead after two runs crossed the plate. The top of the fourth saw senior Rayleigh Roberts double pushing senior Reese Croslin in for the score. Roberts crossed home plate herself after a single from 7th grader Lexie Triplett. Croslin led the team with two hits on four at-bats, as Akiah Bell created scoring opportunities with two stolen bases for the day, including the crucial advancement on a passed ball for the game winning run off Croslin’s second hit. Sophomore Chloe “Red” Penrod had a solid pitching outing, striking out 10, allowing just five hits, one walk, and three runs in the contest, providing a consistent arm for the Lady Panthers.