By Allen Hamrick
Lady Panther softball has had a decent year thus far. They have been playing pretty consistent softball, keeping some of the games close. This past week they went head to head against South Harrison in a whirl wind double header before finishing off the week with a game against Gilmer. South Harrison players have always been able to raise their bats from the dead and hit the ball on occasion, but these games were not the occasion.
Gracie Johnson and Brooke Morton were butchering the bats of the Lady Hawks. Gracie Johnson took the hill and was throwing some pepper in the first game. Once Gracie shook off the second inning jitters when South Harrison scored five runs, it was all Gracie after that. The Lady Panthers pulled out the big sticks in the second, third and fourth innings and scored three runs per inning before their bats were tombstoned. It was all they needed as the game ended with the Lady Panthers winning 10-6.
In the second game against the Lady Titans, it was smokin’ Brooke Morton who took the hill firing bullets at the plate with no reserves. Simply put they couldn’t figure out her pitching and went down in flames by the fifth inning before throwing in the towel. Lady Panther bats, however, heated up and were smackin’ the ball flat, scoring 12 runs by the bottom of the fourth to send them packing north. It was also senior night as the Lady Panthers bid farewell to the home field they played on for 4 years. Five seniors Rylee Burkhamer, Maddie Morton, Gracie Johnson, Julianna Metheney and Makenzie Edwards will be giving up their Lady Panther uniforms for a new future in higher education or other endeavors. There is no doubt these girls will have an impact wherever they go and whatever they do. They will follow in the footsteps of many who have played on the Lady Panther diamond, and we, the fans, wish you the best of luck.
The season isn’t over just yet as the Lady Panthers will begin sectionals at Buffalo against Roane County on Tuesday. This will be the first round, and when they play again will depend on whether they win or lose. The Lady Panthers have a chance to win the sectionals and move on to new levels, but it all starts with Roane. Come out and support them.
