The 2021 season of CILLA Girls Softball got underway at the Field of Dreams on Saturday evening, January 30th, as the SOL Panthers rallied from five runs down in the final inning to earn a 12-12 tie against the SOL Jaguars in an exciting first game!
Both teams got off to fast starts in the scoring department as each side plated six runs in the first inning, using a few walks, a few errors, and some timely hits to make the score 6-6. Each team scored just once in the second inning as the pitchers slowed down the offensive attack and the defense contributed some good plays.
The SOL Jaguars took the lead 9-7 after scoring single runs in the third and fourth inning, while not allowing any further runs to the SOL Panthers.
In the exhilarating fifth inning the SOL Jaguars extended their lead to 12-7 and they seemed headed for victory. The SOL Panthers had other ideas though, quickly rallying for a couple of runs in their final at bat to give them hope. Stephanie Menko had a huge two RBI double to bring the score to 12-11. With two outs, and the game on the line, Eowyn Hawkins rocketed a triple to the fence in left centre to tie the game at 12-12. Pitcher Zhanna McDonald then calmly induced the next hitter into a grounder and she made a perfect throw to first base for the final out to preserve the tie.
Kiersten McLaughlin, Demae Lee, Sofia Watler, McKenna Knapik and Stephanie Menko each scored two runs for the SOL Panthers, while Shay Windsor, Zhanna McDonald and Madison Malice each scored twice for the SOL Jaguars.
Withney Jackson did very well in her first inning of pitching for the SOL Jaguars and catcher Shay Windsor and pitcher Clara Ramos teamed up to tag out a runner at home.
Catcher Jahzara Barnes made a fine catch on a pop-fly for the SOL Panthers and Demae Lee had a solid pitching performance during the middle innings to keep her team in the game.
Both teams are to be congratulated for playing an entertaining first game of the season!
This year the entire Girls Softball division is being sponsored by SOL Petroleum, so huge thanks to them!
Games continue on Wednesday, February 3rd as the SOL Jaguars take on the SOL Pumas at 6:30 pm.
On Saturday, February 6th the SOL Pumas take on the SOL Panthers at 6:30 pm.
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