Written & Media by Joseph Hubbs.
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The Lady Panthers lost both games in the double header against Fontbonne this past Saturday. Prior to this weekend’s losses the Panthers had been riding an eight game winning streak, capitalized by six straight conference wins. Unfortunately in the midst of this hot streak, the infamously crazy Midwest weather put the Panthers momentum on a halt when they had to postpone Thursday’s double header against Principia. With the extra delay between games it is possible that the Panthers may have been just a little bit rusty going into Saturday’s contests.
In the first game, Fontbonne threw their ace pitcher, sophomore Madison Leonard. Leonard pitched a gem against the Panthers, only allowing one run and striking out 12 in a 9-1 complete game victory. Freshman third baseman, Tiffany Samsoe contributed the Panthers’ only RBI in the game with a single that scored sophomore center fielder, Bryn McKie.
One bad inning proved to be the fall of the Panthers in the second game. After the top of the third inning the Panthers led 2-0, but a Fontbonne double, followed by an infield error began a five run frame by the Griffins. The Panthers never recovered. The Griffins would score two more runs and beat the Panthers 7-2. Samsoe again added the only two Panthers RBI’s with a run scoring groundout in the first and an RBI single in the third. The freshman out of Norco, California currently leads the team with 22 RBI’s on the season and two homeruns. Other key offensive contributers for the Lady Panthers this season include senior shortstop, Mattie Fairchild with 15 RBI’s, junior, Jessica Laubecher with 15 RBI’s, and freshman utility player, Becca Oldham with 14 RBI’s and two homeruns. Sophomore speedster, Bryn McKie has also done a spectacular job hitting leadoff for the Panthers this season, leading the team with a .494 average and 10 stolen bases. As expected with such a great season thus far, altogether the team is hitting a phenomenal .350 average. The Panthers three pitchers are also having fine seasons. Oldham has tossed three complete games and won five, with a total of 27 strikeouts and a 3.26 ERA. Laubecher has won three games, striking out seven, and junior, Hannah Burger, has won 3 games with 24 strikeouts and a 3.59 ERA.
With all the success thus far, the losses this weekend appear to be but a minor setback in an otherwise untarnished season. Currently the Panthers record stands at 13-7 with a 6-2 conference record. The Panthers have a busy week ahead of them as they will play two games at MacMurray on Wednesday, two games at Rose Hulman on Thursday, and finish the week off with two home games against Webster on Saturday. Come out and support your Lady Panthers this weekend as they try and continue their winning ways.
