After a 12-16 regular season, and facing a team with a winning record from the tough CIML Conference, the Knoxville Softball Squad went in to their first round regional playoff game as an underdog to the Huskies of Des Moines Hoover. However underdog status was not enough to put away the Panthers as their offense came through in a big way in an 8-3 victory.
The Panthers would blow up for five runs in an odd second inning filled with errors both fielding and baserunning by both teams to take control of the game. After a three run third by Hoover to make it 5-3, the Panthers snatched momentum back with a two run no doubter by Ricki Hall
The Huskies would fail to score again despite several chances, but were shut down by Delaynee South who went seven strong innings in the circle to pick up the win, and the Panther offense was led by a two hit day for Hall as well as the bottom of the lineup Shaye Nichols, Lucy Olson, and Ally Vanderhart all having productive at bats. Knoxville Head Coach Steph Christner tells KNIA/KRLS Sports that the bottom of the lineup producing good at bats was the difference in the game.
The Panthers will keep their underdog status going into their next game, as they face one of the top teams in the state Dallas Center-Grimes on Saturday night at 7pm.