Lady Panthers on a hurricane path to the state softball finals with four-straight shutouts

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The Western Lady Panthers not just the defending state softball champions, they are an absolute juggernaut. Entering the IHSAA State Softball Tournament with a 23-3 record and the No. 3 ranking in Class 3A, they have proceeded to not only win games, but they have shutout every team they've faced.

They started out by ravaging the Logansport Sectional field, downing Twin Lakes (12-18) by a score of 2-0 in the opener and running wild with a 14-0 run-rule result against on West Lafayette (12-11) in the second round. The sectional final scoreboard was also filled with goose eggs as the Lady Panthers erased No. 13-ranked Logansport's (25-5) 14-game winning streak from existence, 3-0, to win the title.

On June 3, Western continued to wreak havoc by shutting down No. 6-ranked Yorktown (20-5) in a 2-0 regional championship.

In the West Lafayette game, the Lady Panthers put up runs in each of the first four innings. The Red Devils did not. It turns out, that's how games are won. In fact, Western held their opponents to just two hits on the night and issued one walk.

It all amounted to a great outing for sophomore hurler Lucy George. She went the distance for Western, striking out 11 of the 18 batters she faced.

At the plate, the Lady Panthers put on a hit parade. Junior Brynley Erb led the way by burning down the outfield bleachers with a pair of home runs and four RBIs. George complemented her pitching performance with a three-hit night, including a double.

Senior Kylie Miller also registered three hits, including a double. Senior Emma Roe managed just one hit, but it was a big one. She cleared loaded bases with a double and drove in a fourth run while reaching on an error.

Senior Kamryn Garber had a pair of hits, as did junior Jocelyn Jeffers. Kayleigh Auth and Lexi Dollens each singled to round out the offense.

The Lady Panthers (27-3) next face Mississinewa (21-4) in the opening round of the semi-state, which takes place Sat., June 6, at Twin Lakes High School.

See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.