Neosho County Community College softball opened up KJCCC play this afternoon, as the Pirates of Independence Community College came to town. The Panthers got themselves a 75 degree day and 20-30 MPH south winds blowing straight out of their park. Neosho and Independence split the doubleheader with the Pirates taking game one 5-3; and the Panthers taking game two 13-5.
Game 1
Tuesday's first conference game against Independence Community College was a heartbreaker for the Panthers, as they lost the lead late in a 5-3 defeat. Neosho opened up the game scoring in the first inning, when Mallory Gazaway singled on a 2-2 count, scoring Cassidy Paulson. Freshman Ayche Marchoud would contribute to the Panthers offense as she hit her first collegiate home run, that sailed over the center field fence, in the bottom of the fourth.The game was tied at three with Independence Community College batting in the top of the sixth. An error in the field would contribute to one run for Independence Community College and the Pirates never looked back. The team tallied seven hits, with Marchoud and Journee Zito both managing two hits to lead the Panthers. Cassidy Paulson, Espy Daniels, and Mallory Gazaway all earned a hit as well. Olivia Cummings took the loss for the Panthers. The right handed pitcher surrendered two runs on five hits over three and a third innings, striking out one.
Game 2:
The Panthers took an early lead in the first inning when Lydia Brown drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring one run. After Independence Community College scored three runs in the top of the second, Neosho answered right back with three of their own when Katie Boline singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run. Lauren Fuller continued the inning when she singled on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs. The Panthers tallied 11 hits on the day. Including, a grand slam by Espy Daniels, which also happened to be her first career homerun as a Panther. Amanda Dodds, joined in on the long ball parade, as she came into the game as a pinch hitter and on a 2-2 count sent a ball out over deep left field earning herself three RBI. Boline, Ayche Marchoud, and Journee Zito, all managed multiple hits for the Panthers. Three hole hitter Katie Boline led the team with three hits in four at bats. Ravin Moore got the win for game two. The pitcher surrendered five runs on six hits over three innings, striking out one. Cassidy Paulson threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Paulson recorded the last six outs to earn the save for the Panthers.
The Panthers will be back on the diamond next week as they will participate in the Crowder Bash, hosted by Crowder College, in Neosho, MO. The tournament was originally scheduled for this weekend, however, with the incoming weather Crowder has pushed it back. Nothing has been set in stone, but it is looking like the Panthers will play on Monday. Check out Neosho Athletics social media accounts, and goneosho.com to get updates on the updated tournament schedule.
#SHOtime
