Monday night, the Russellville Lady Panthers junior varsity softball team was in action at home against the visiting Warren East Lady Raiders. The Lady Panthers fought to stay in the game and finished out strong, scoring two runs in the final inning, but fell to the Lady Raiders 8-2. Despite the loss, there were plenty of moments to take away from the game for the Lady Panthers to be optimistic about.
To open the first inning, starting pitcher 7th grader Anyiah Hampton gave up just a single hit and no runs as the defense stood tall to open the game, but took the loss allowing six hits, five runs and walking one. The bottom of the first inning had two Lady Panthers quickly get on base as 7th grader Lexie Triplett doubled and M’Riyah Boyd recorded a walk, but the offense stalled out after a promising start. Triplett and 8th grader Rylee Grayson would both check in at pitcher in relief.
The top of the second inning saw the Lady Raiders jump out to a 4-0 lead, while during the third inning the Lady Raiders extended their lead by another run, but a highlight line-drive snagged from Grayson at her short stop spot closed out the half inning to keep the Lady Panthers within range. On the defensive side of the diamond, sophomore outfielder Kadence Lee had a solid outing grabbing three-for-three pop flies for outs during the game.
Despite a tough offensive outing, the Lady Panthers found a spark in the bottom of the fifth inning as Hampton and Shaelynn Cross found their way to get on base and cross home plate after Grayson drove in both runs on a double to put points on the board narrowing the lead 8-2. Even though the comeback effort fell short, the Lady Panthers battled through the last inning.
Speaking with the Lady Panthers junior varsity head coach Felix Gilbert, he offered insight on the youth of his team and how he felt they performed, “We are young. We are mostly 7th and 8th graders. A couple as well who have never really played so we’re still in that growing stage. Most JV teams are made up of freshmen and sophomores. Overall I was pleased with our efforts last night.” Talking about which players stood out Coach Felix said, “Kadence Lee, Anyiah Hampton, Rylee Grayson, and Lexie Triplett had decent games for us.”
With the loss, the Lady Panthers will look to get back on track for their next game and use this game as experience to grow and improve with more games coming up on the schedule.
Wes Elrod can be reached by emailing wpechagolla@gmail.com
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