The EP Panther softball team finished its season with a 16-12 record, finishing third in conference with a 6-4 mark. The squad’s season ended with a loss to sectional finalist Riverdale falling in walk-off fashion, 4-3, to the #1 seeded Lady Rams.
The team gathered recently to look back on the season and honor team members who earned conference, team and individual honors.
Milestones achieved during the season included junior, Wynn Renkes surpassing the 300 career strikeout mark with fellow pitcher Ayden Klendworth surpassing 100 career Ks. Freshman, Laken Renkes broke a twelve year old record held by Savannah Mettler (Huslander) for most singles (35) in a season with 42.
The team also had three senior members, Lilly Swatos, Leah and Taylor Richmond, sign with Sauk Valley Community College to continue playing softball at the next level.
Head coach, Jessie Rosenow saw the program continue to grow under her second year leadership and is excited for the future. “With five returning starters, a lot of pitching coming back, and having our offensive strengths returning, we’re excited for what’s ahead. This group has already started building toward next season, with some off season workouts planned, we’re hoping to pick up right where we left off.”
Rosenow has good reason to to be excited as the Lady Panther JV squad ended the season with a sparkling 14-5-1 mark.
Varsity Awards
Three Rivers All-Conference Awards
Laken Renkes – Unanimous 1st Team Infield
Lilly Swatos – Unanimous 1st Team Catcher
Ayden Klendworth – 1st Team Pitcher
Wynn Renkes – 1st Team Pitcher
Ava Grawe – 1st Team Outfield
Leah Richmond – 1st Team Utility
Chloe Hamilton – 2nd Team Infield
Isabelle Olvera – 2nd Team Outfield
Alyssah Padia – Honorable Mention Outfield
Team Awards
Best Defense – Alyssah Padia & Isabella Olvera
Best Offense – Laken Renkes
Heart – Lilly Swatos
MVP- Laken Renkea
JV Team Awards
Best Offense- Ayden Grawe
Best Defense – Sophie Anderson
Heart- Sophie Anderson
Co MVP- Kennedy Vancil & Kaycee Russell
