One Step Closer to State

      The CHS Softball team has claimed the District Title once again for the second year in a row. The Panthers were voted to be number one seed at the district meeting. On Thursday, October 4, the Lady Panthers traveled to Mexico for the first game of Districts. They played the Hallsville Indians. The girls were confident as they started the game. They came out strong, too. In the first inning alone they score seven runs. With everybody back in their original positions, the gang was back together. The team was playing exactly like they were last year at state. They hit the ball well and had good reaction and range when the ball was hit in the field. With the final score being 8-3, the Panthers were yet again on their way to the District Championship.  

      When asked how far she thought the Panthers would go this year, Ashley Hill said, “ I think we can make it as far as last time because i feel that we as a team have a really tight bond. Whether we are on or off the field, we always stay TOGETHER as a team. No matter who you are or what position you play, if you make a mistake or score the winning run of the game, every player is there to back you up no matter what.” Kaitlyn VanMaanen felt the same way: “ I think we will go all the way because we play together and take it one game at a time. We always work our hardest no matter what the score or inning it is.”

      The championship game of district play was against Kirksville. On Saturday the girls traveled back to Mexico to play Kirksville. It was a cool brisk morning but by game time, it was perfect weather to play. CHS was home and they shut Kirksville down in the first inning. When it was the Panthers turn to bat, Kirksville was not expecting the seven runs scored in the first inning. Throughout the rest of the game, the Panthers scored two more runs and held Kirksville to one run, making the final score 9-1. Next up for the Panthers was Winfield. The game was played here at Centralia on Wednesday, October 10. This proved to be a little tough for the Panthers. The final score ended up to be a tight 1-0, Panthers. 

      Next on the Panther’s agenda was St. Dominic. For the first time in history, the quarterfinal game was held at home. The Panthers had a big game on Saturday, October 13. In the first inning, right fielder Ashley Hill, hit a three-run home run. Later in the game shortstop Haley Schmersahl hit a two-run home run. Right after that, Kaitlyn VanMaanen hit a  single-run home run. With all of the rain, the game was called at the bottom of the sixth inning. The Panthers had won 7-3. For the second time, the Lady Panthers are headed to state. 

      Congratulations, Lady Panthers! Best of luck in the state tournament.