The day started with a morning game vs Freeport. Early games were shortened to 5 innings and things started well for EP as Lilly Swatos delivered a 2 run single in the first to give the Panthers the lead. It was still 2-0 until the bottom of the fourth when Freeport scored 3 runs on 4 hits to come from behind for the win. The game was a pitchers dual as EP only managed 4 hits while the Pretzels had 6. Panther Wynn Renkes suffered the loss while striking out 4.
In EP’s second contest, the Panthers scored multiple runs in every inning to soundly defeat Galena. Alyssa Padia had 3 hits including a grand slam to propel the Panthers. Ayden Klendworth and Wynn Renkes each had 2 hits and 2 RBIs to add to the Panther punch.
Klendworth pitched for the Panthers shutting down the Pirates on 2 hits, one walk while striking out 4.
Due the tie breakers, the Panthers made the championship game against the Byron Tigers.
The Panther’s bats were on fire as they found openings for 16 hits in their 7 at bats. Sophomore Chloe Hamilton led the Panther offensive attack with 4 singles. Freshman Laken Renkes and junior Isabella Olvera had 3 singles each and Leah Richmond also had a multi-hit game with 2, along with 2 RBIs.
Renkes was outstanding on the mound as she allowed one run on 5 hits and struck out 8.
Head Coach Jesse Russell was happy with the EP effort in the weather. “The girls played really well today, finishing as champions of the West Carroll Tournament. We had a bit of a slow start but our bats really came alive in our last 2 games when we needed them most. It was great to face some different competition we don’t typically see during the season and get extra games in, even with the brisk weather today.”
The 9-6 Panthers have a home makeup game with Princeton on Monday in Prophetstown at 4:30 p.m.
