Varsity Softball repeats as District and Conference Champions!

The Panthers softball team saw their season come to an abrupt end last week, as they fell to Holt by a score of 3 - 1 in the sectional playoff game. The sectional loss does not diminish an outstanding season that saw the Panthers capture a share of the GAC Central title for the third consecutive season, and a second straight district championship. The Panthers finished the season with a 21 - 6 overall record, this marks the third straight season in which the Panther have won 20 games or more. The team also captured the tournament title at the FZN Invitational, while finishing as the runner-ups at both the Rockwood Summit Tournament and the Troy ”Lead-Off” Classic.

Eight different players (Niki Swafford . 488, Lauren King .476, Shelby Clark .381, Taylor Dames .378, Kaylee Gilbert .328, Sarah Langdon .316, Nicole Pitts .306, and Allison Tomson .302) batted .300 or better during the season. Talyor Dames led the Panthers with 6 home runs, while Niki Swafford led the team in RBI’s with 27. The Panthers also received solid pitching performances from the one - two combination of Shelby Clark (12 - 4, 2.17 ERA) and Hannah Murphy (9 - 1, 2.25 ERA). Defensive stand-outs throughout the season were Andrea Gown and Peyton Brunkhorst.

Clark, Murphy, Swafford, King, and Dames were all selected to the GAC Central “All-Conference” 1st team. Tomson and Langdon received 2nd team honors.

Clark, Murphy, Swafford, King, Dames, and Langdon were also named to the “All-District” 1st team. Gilbert, Tomson, Pitts, and Gowen were selected to the 2nd team.

Coach Steve Siebert was named GAC Co-”Coach of the Year”.

The outstanding senior class that included Shelby Clark, Taylor Dames, Lauren King, Niki Swafford, and Andrea Gown leave behind a legacy of excellence. The Class of 2015 played a vital role in the resurgence of the Panther softball program.