Softball Panthers remain on top of their game

CARBONDALE - The Pinckneyville High School softball team improved to 13-6 Saturday following a 13-1 six-inning thrashing of Carbondale (11-4) in nonconference play.

The Panthers, on fire of late, pounded out 13 hits to match their run count, while holding the Terriers to just five hits. PCHS scored four runs in the first inning and followed up with three more in the second. The Panthers then put the win on ice with a five-run sixth inning.

Winning pitcher was Taylor Witges. Madison Galloway was tagged with the loss.

At the dish, Hallie Waggoner led the charge with three hits, including a triple, double and four runs batted in. Megan Engelhardt followed with a 3-3 performance, including four RBIs. Taylor Kurtz went 2-2 with an RBI. Adding one hit each were: Lauren Jackson, Aubrey Bruns, Lynlee Lindner (double) and Witges (triple with two RBIs).

Savannah Talley produced the lone run for Carbondale with a solo homer.

"There were a whole bunch of things to like today," said Panthers head coach Alan Engelhardt. "Our defense was outstanding, right from the start. On three separate occasions, we got the lead runner, which ultimately led to us preventing runs. Hallie (Waggoner) did a good job of making pitches to work out of jams, and Taylor really didn't give up any solid contact.

"Offensively, we were really good all day," Engelhardt said. "For the third straight game, I thought we had tremendous at-bats, fouling off multiple two-strike pitches and then driving the ball. If we continue to take these types of at-bats and continue to improve defensively, I think we can really become a tough team."

PCHS was scheduled to host Carterville Monday and Johnston City Wednesday before traveling to New Athens Thursday.