Chanute, KS - Both teams showcased strong pitching performances Thursday, but Neosho Panthers edged out Johnson County with a 2-1 victory behind a complete game from
Kamden Bray, who recorded all 21 outs, giving Johnson their first conference loss. Johnson County struck first in the top of the opening inning when Glassford launched a solo home run to center field on a full count, giving his team an early 1-0 advantage. From there, Bray settled in, limiting further damage and keeping the game within reach. Neosho Panthers responded in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Johnson County miscue. An error allowed the tying run to score, and shortly after,
Brenna Kohlmeier delivered a clutch double to left field that brought in the go-ahead run, putting Neosho ahead 2-1. Bray earned the win with an impressive outing, allowing six hits and one run over seven innings while striking out eight and walking two. Whitehurst took the loss for Johnson County. Offensively,
Sadie Bowyer,
Jayden Willard, and Kohlmeier each recorded a hit for Neosho Panthers.
Delaney Hill and Kohlmeier provided the key production in the lineup, each driving in a run.
Game Two: Neosho Panthers battled throughout game two in Chanute but ultimately fell 6-3 to Johnson County in a game that was much closer than the final score suggests. Johnson County jumped out early in the first inning, using a two-run single to take a quick lead. They added another run in the third on a solo home run, putting Neosho in an early hole. Despite that, Neosho stayed composed and continued to chip away. The Panthers' persistence paid off in the bottom of the sixth inning. With timely hitting and smart at-bats, Neosho rallied to tie the game at 3-3.
Jayden Willard came through in a key moment with a single to center field, helping spark the comeback and energize the team heading into the final inning.
Pilar Cox turned in a solid effort on the mound for the Neosho Panthers, keeping the team within striking distance for much of the game. The right-hander worked six innings, striking out four while battling through a tough Johnson County lineup. At the plate, Willard led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
Melannie Townes and Willard each drove in a run, highlighting Neosho's ability to produce in key situations. The game remained tied until the top of the seventh, when Johnson County used a late surge to pull ahead. Despite the setback, Neosho showed resilience, fighting back from an early deficit and proving they can compete deep into games.
Neosho Panthers will look to bounce back on Saturday as they hit the road to take on Highland Scotties.
