The softball teams opened their season Thursday at Holton, The JV split losing the opener 5-11 but winning the second game 16-5. The varsity lost both games to the Wildcats, 8-11 and 5-16.
In the JV games, Ka-tti Hale pitched the first game. Hale gave up 7 hits and 10 runs, but only 4 of them were earned. She struck out 9 and walked 6. She also led the team with 2 RBIs. The Panthers had 9 hits but fielding errors allowed the Wildcats to score more runs.
In game 2 for the JV, Sophie Lefferd pitched, allowing 5 hits and five runs (4 earned). The Panthers' bats came alive in the second inning as the Panthers scored 8 runs on 5 hits to go ahead 9-2. The Panthers added 7 more runs in the 3rd inning. Abigail Milroy, Hale and Addison Samek each had multiple hits for RV. Daisy Wheeler walked 3 times and the Panthers tallied 11 walks in the game.
For game 1 on the varsity side, Madison Blackwood took the circle. The Panthers collected 10 hits and held the Wildcats to 9, but miscommunication and errors allowed Holton to outscore RV 11-8 in a back-and-forth contest. Sammy Klotz led the team with 2 RBIs going 2 for 4 at the plate. Sofie Liggatt and Stormy Lake each earned two walks.
In game 2, Sydney Moss pitched and allowed 13 hits and 16 runs, but only 11 were earned. Errors and miscommunication continued to plague the Panthers' defense. Klotz went 3 for 4 from the plate. Blackwood, Trulee Jim and Averie Stithem each drove in one run.
RV hosts Nemaha Central on Monday, March 31.