Don Kuhnen, AP Sports
The EP Panthers varsity softball team improved their record to 8-3 overall and 5-1 in conference with a 5-3 win over Princeton Tuesday afternoon. The Panthers avenged a 5-0 setback to the Tigers last week in Princeton.
The Tigers jumped on EP with 2 runs in the top of the first. EP countered with a run of their own as Aylah Jones scored on a 2 out double to center by Ady Scott. Princeton threatened in the fourth with runners on second and third but pitcher Corrie Remley struck out the next Tiger batter to end the threat.
The Panthers took the lead in their half of the fourth. Makenzie Glassburn was hit by a pitch and Sydney Schwartz followed with a double. Aylah Jones sacrifice fly to center tied the game at 2. An error by Princeton’s left fielder allowed the Panthers to add another run and Scott’s single to center scored Schwartz with the Panthers fourth run.
Jones’ diving catch in center field ended the Tigers fifth inning threat. In the Panther half, a pinch hit single by Cheyenne Wiemken moved a Panther runner to third with one out and Schwartz laid down a perfect bunt to plate another run and give the Panthers a 5-2 lead.
Three straight singles by the Tigers in the sixth closed the gap to 5-3. The Tigers threatened again in the seventh but a nice pitcher to shortstop to first base double play by the Panthers put an end to the game.
Remley’s pitching stats showed her giving up 12 hits but no walks and 3 strikeouts to get her the win.
The Panthers were led in hitting by Scott with 3 knocks while Jones and Jaden Johnson each contributed 2.
The Panthers continue their busy week with road games Thursday at Peru St. Bede and Saturday at Rockridge.
