This past weekend the Lady Panthers competed against the Southern Jaguars in a series of three games.
Initially offense was slow but a stellar hit to left field produced a single conjured up hope for restoration of the lead. Freshman Sarah Prado contributed offensively as well and as a result of offensive efforts put Hagerman and freshman Kelli Scruggs in a position to score.
Although progress was made offensively unfortunately Southern outscored the Panthers and obtained the first win of the series, 5-2. In the second match-up of the series only one Lady Jaguar was unable to gain a hit against the Panthers.
Steamer of Southern led the way for her team offensively as well as defensively and the only hit of the game by the Lady Panthers was a single made by freshman Liz Alvarado, the final score of the second game was 10-0.
The most action of the series was reflected in the third game, junior Artavia Woods was able to get on early in the game. Sophomore Jasmin Littles was able to contribute offensively with a double to right field, which led to a run scored by Woods.
Shortly following the excitement of the last inning, Littles followed up on her last hit with a single to right field. As a result, Alvarado was able to score. The Ladies fought relentlessly but their efforts were cut short by Steamers who caught Hagerman’s hit and caused the conclusion of the game leaving the score 9-7.
Prior to the weekend the Panthers hosted two games against the Corpus Christi Islanders. In game one Scruggs donated two RBIs. The third inning of the game proved to be the biggest inning for the Islanders but junior Coronado halted Islander gain due to effective pitching.
Scruggs was in the zone and was able to score two runs after the bases were loaded, the final score of the game was 12-2.
In the last game of the competition the Ladies loaded the bases on many occasions but Woods and Scruggs got the movement moving.Woods scored the first run and Scruggs hit a line drive to center field which turned out two runs.
As a result of the momentum the Panthers were able to hold the lead for a moment but in the end the win went to the Islanders 16-8. The Ladies also played a makeup game against Alcorn this past week, and the score of that game was 9-0. Alcorn emerged on top.
Littles said, “It started rough, we got better but it was too late.”
Kesha Hagerman said, ” As the games progressed the team cohesion increased, we just need to get an earlier start in the next series.”
The Lady Panthers head back home for their final home stand of the season as they are set to take on Grambling State University for the last back to back days of action. The games will begin on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 4 pm.