by Steve Bradley
The Lady Panthers suffered through some tough games this week as the offense struggled to put enough runs over the plate.
Hoosic Valley 22 HF 7
Last Thursday the Ladies went to Hoosic Valley High and came out bruised after a mercy-rule, six inning thumping from the Indians. Hoosic Valley sent 47 batters to the plate; their first two batters had six at-bats. HF had 11 hits and scored runs in four of the six innings but were outpaced by the Indian onslaught.
Erica Quackenbush got the loss on the mound but did everything she could offensively by going 4 for 4 at the plate, including a triple and four RBIs. Chelsea Stevens and Maddy Ryan each had two singles.
Cooperstown 4 HF 0
On Saturday the Panthers traveled to Cooperstown for a couple of non-league games. In the first of two five inning games, Cooperstown jumped out to a three run, first inning lead and that was all they needed as HF just couldn’t get anyone around to score. Alyssa Ellis had the only Panther hits, two singles, against Cooperstown pitcher Maria Noto. Ellis took the loss on the mound.
Cooperstown 5 HF 0
Again facing Cooperstown pitcher Maria Noto, the Panthers were held to one hit and no runs in the second game. Ashley St. Onge had the lone hit for the Panthers, and Ellis took the loss.
HF 10 Granville 5
On Monday the team regrouped to play Granville at the Horde’s home field. The Panthers trailed late in the game, only to pull it out in the final inning. Alyssa Ellis threw a complete game and got the big win. Chelsea Stevens and Ashley St. Onge each had four hits. Abby Gilson and Cassie Sherman, added to the team from the JV ranks this week, each had two hits.
At this point in the season, the Panthers overall record stands at 5 – 6 and they’re right in the thick of things in league play with a 5 – 2 record. This is a very respectable record, considering the turnover from last season. Chelsea Stevens, currently batting .423, is the only infielder left from last year’s team. This year’s team consists of only one senior, catcher Ashley St. Onge (batting .345). Freshman starters, shortstop Liz Ryan (batting .306), third baseman Sydney Miller and outfielders Maddy Atherton and Ashley Stevens, along with junior starters first baseman Stevens and second baseman Maddy Ryan, form a solid nucleus for the next year. Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Ellis, who started most of last year, continues to get better. Sophomores Abby Gilson and Cassie Sherman, brought up from the JV team this week, are now gaining varsity experience. Although they are taking their bumps and bruises now, the experience this year should translate into wins in the future.
On Thursday, May 1, the schedule says the Ladies will play both Tamarac, from Wednesday’s postponement, and Cambridge. Who they play will be a surprise. On Friday, May 2, HF will travel to Schuylerville. Monday, May 5, will be a travel game at Mt. Anthony, and Tuesday, May 6, the Panthers will be at home against Greenwich. All games are scheduled to begin at 4:15 pm.