Endangered Panthers. WG 18, Mehlville1

The black panther is not an endangered species, at least in part because it’s not its own distinct species. But the Mehlville Panthers softball program, based on what I’ve seen over the past decade or so, seems a likely candidate for the Endangered Species list. The high school didn’t even bother to prep the softball field this season because they’re building a new baseball field for next year that the softball girls will be allowed to share.

I can’t remember the last competitive game we’ve had with Mehlville and this year’s contest easily extended that streak after an 18-1 drubbing, with one-third of our outs coming from leaving the base early. I’m especially proud of our girls for embodying our “Win with class, lose with class” mantra, respecting the Mehlville players while not changing our approach in the field, on the base paths, or in the batter’s box. We even took good at bats against a pitcher so slow (and wild) that it was a challenge. Just a few pics from our game today, because, well, 18-1.

An even bigger challenge is our Thursday game against Kirkwood’s Pioneers at home, and we’re looking forward to a short, but fast-paced practice tomorrow to prepare. See you at the field.

Olivia Leaver picked up her third win in the circle, no walks again.

Just your usual 5-6 force out at second base. No, we don't shift. We also had a 2-4-9-4 DP.

Jilly Sanders took three good at bats with solid contact, but eventually didn't get enough strikes, settleing for walks.

Bailey Allen makes a clean pick and throw to get the out at first.

Morgan Lawrence played both left side IF positions, here throws out a Panther at first in the third inning.

Finishing Strong: WG 17, Lutheran South 0

We looked to this game against the Lancers as a tune-up for tomorrow’s tilt against the Pioneers at Kirkwood, and the chance to maybe give some Orange players a shot at time to make up for a game they missed due to band obligations.

It all worked to perfection. Because I was subbing and wanted to save my favors to ride the bus tomorrow, Coach Cerutti took over the bus duties and I didn’t arrive until after stretches. I had wanted to tell the girls to play this game like it was Kirkwood, with the same intensity, the same drive that they will bring to the field tomorrow. I didn’t get the chance, but, turns out, it wasn’t necessary, because that’s exactly the approach they took, not only to this game, but every game. The three Orange players who came along fit right in when they got their chance (and they all got at least an AB) and will bring their energy with them and to us tomorrow.

With Nic Rikand in the circle, we dominated every aspect of the game and she picked up her third victory. TK closed out the game to get her work in and be ready for tomorrow. We adjusted quickly, hit the ball hard, ran the bases aggressively (Caitlyn Boyd upped her stolen base total with two bags to eclipse Olivia Weik’s JV record of 34, with one game to play), and fielded cleanly, including a drop step and retreat on a fly ball in the sun by our flex, Lydia (Lids) Beggs, who looked like she played LF every day. The Lancer hits were basically of the infield variety and Marko erased the first when the runner had the temerity to try to steal on her – not even close.

That’s about all I have (not even sure I have a worthy picture, but haven’t had time to check as I write this before heading to bed). If it’s there, well, great. If not, you’ll have to be content with the box score. See you at KHS tomorrow for a good game and a fitting finish to a tremendous year.

Lion Tamers: Webster 8, NWCH 6

For reasons I will keep private, this is a team I like to beat, although I didn’t see any evidence to maintain those feelings, so maybe I’ll feel a little differently next year. In any case, after the first couple innings I thought this was a team we should beat, we kind let them hang around and didn’t add on, and then was wondering if it was a team we would beat.

Give the Lions credit, they came back to forge a 5-5 tie and made this contest a 2 inning tilt. We won the seventh and thus the game, thanks to a gritty pitching performance by Josie Krueger, who notched her sixth, and big hit by Julia Love, who also sparkled with the leather at third. Other sticker-worthy performances included Elise Keller in the middle of our two big innings, Maya Litton’s sure hands at first, Skyler Jones’s two little slaps, the latter starting our seventh inning rally and Jessica Peterson’s second inning hit to keep the rally going and then solid defense in LF.

Nice work and a good team win. We continue to play solid defense, run the bases aggressively, if inconsistently, and demonstrate hustle, spirit, team support, and resiliency. The team continues to grow both individually and as a group.

Finally got it right!

Julia Love hustles to 1B on the first of her two hits. She added 3 stolen bases, as well.

Sophomore SS Zoe Schultz promptly brought her home with a double over the CF's head.

Guinevere Ellsworth waits to receive a Josie Krueger pitch.

Claire Kellick gets a good lead after her single. She came around to score.

Sophomore Jenna Hoffman adds a stolen base as a CR.

Sophomore Skyler Jones slapped for two hits, scored the go-ahead run in the 7th.

Jones aggressively takes second after her hit.

Josie Krueger won her sixth game, striking out 5, walking only 1. Statesmen pitchers have walked just 15 batters so far this season.

Maya Litton takes the throw from Josie.

Five strikeouts, five celebrations in the circle.

Sophomore Allyson Peters has solidified the 4-hold in the order all season long.

Claire Kellick tests the Lions shortstop.

Another Josie Krueger pitching pic, because it's a good one. Thanks Christine Keller and Scott Hayes for the photos.

Julia Love tags third and just missed turning a DP.

Freshman Maya Litton demonstrates her good hands digging out a low throw.

Statesmen congratulate the Lions on a hard fought, but ultimately 10th victory.