Lady Panthers defeated all of Tippecanoe County for fourth consecutive title

This article is brought to you by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union. From family vacations and backyard cookouts to summer camps and weekend getaways, expenses can add up quickly this time of year.

A little planning today can help you enjoy everything summer has to offer while staying on track with your financial goals. Consider setting a seasonal budget, tracking discretionary spending, and looking for opportunities to save before the next big purchase.

At Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you make the most of your money. Visit us today to explore savings solutions and financial tools designed to help you stay confident all summer long.

The Western Lady Panthers secured their fourth consecutive softball sectional championship on May 28, but the pursuit of a second state championship for six of the girls on the varsity team fell short in the opening round of the regionals.

This year’s sectional victory was a bit unique, however, as Western downed all of Tippecanoe County en route to the title. The Lady Panthers’ ended the season for Harrison and McCutcheon by two-run margins in the opening rounds. But in the sectional final, they spanked Lafayette Jefferson and sent them home with a run-rule end to their season.

The team’s success this season relied heavily upon junior hurler Lucy George. Her 14-5 record from the mound was amassed thanks to a 1.54 ERA and 223 strikeouts. In fact, the sectional title win was her 10th straight victory.

Against Lafayette Jeff, George’s stat line showed just three hits allowed versus nine strikeouts; good for her sixth shutout of the season.

The Lady Panthers started out steady, putting a run on the board in the first and second innings and two runs in the third. But it was a decisive fifth inning that settled the outcome. Western plated six runs, removing all doubt about which team would advance to the regional.

Offensively, the Lady Panthers spread the love around. Senior Brynley Erb stood out with a double and triple, driving in a run. Senior Olivia Sefton also had a pair of hits, and George had two hits, including a triple to drive in a run.

Freshman Ruby Weaver benefitted greatly from her position in the batting order, as her double drove in three. Senior Jocelyn Jeffers drove in a pair with a double.

The opening round of regional play did not unfold as the Lady Panthers hoped. Westfield jumped on George early, putting three earned runs on her in the first inning and six runs total, dooming Western to an early tournament exit.

Worse, the Western offense evaporated. Sophomore Kennedy Tishner registered the only hit for the Lady Panthers in the contest. She and Weaver each drove in a run, as Erb was walked and sophomore Olivia Oyler reached on an error to set up the scores.

Westfield’s run for a title ended in the next game, as it fell to the Carroll Chargers of Fort Wayne.

Western ended its season with a 20-9 record. Erb was the team’s offensive linchpin, finishing the season with a .659/.720/2.118 slash line. She hit 13 home runs and stole 27 bases to lead the team in every offensive statistical category, including RBIs (43), doubles (10), and triples (8).

Weaver is the woman to watch next season for Western. She finished the year with a .425/.470/1.073 slash line; good for second best on the club.

See additional photos from the sectional final, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page.