Resilient Panthers Fall Short at Home

Sometimes resiliency can’t be defined by wins and losses. Sometimes, it’s seen in the little efforts that keep the game alive.

That’s exactly what the Collingswood varsity softball team proved on Thursday in their 15-8 loss to Overbrook on Thursday.

With their backs against the ropes and the game being threatened by the dreaded 10-run rule, the Panthers fought back and, though the outcome was the same, their never-say-die attitude was on display and will certainly carry over for the remainder of their regular season.

While the Panthers’ showed aggression at the plate and clean play in the field, it was ultimately pitching that doomed them on Thurday afternoon. Sophomore pitcher Stephanie Williams surrendered seven runs in one-and-one-third innings before being replaced by junior Erika Witherbee, formerly a second baseman, who made her first mound appearance of the season.

“I was not prepared at all. I warmed up and stuff but I just kind of went out there and did what I could,” said Witherbee. “I haven’t really been throwing. We only had one day of practice this week so I haven’t been throwing often.”

After taking the mound with two Overbrook runners already on base, Witherbee would allow three runs before inning’s end, only one of whom she put on base.

At the plate, the Panthers had better fortune, though, and recorded 10 hits, including three from junior shortstop Taylor Harkness and two doubles from Witherbee.

With two outs, the game on the line and the Panthers down by 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the team battled back to keep themselves in the game after an RBI-double by sophomore third baseman Morgan Worthington. While the Panthers couldn’t bring themselves all the way back, with two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth, the Panthers managed to shorten their deficit from 10 runs to six, but surrendered one more run on a walk in the top of the seventh inning, leaving them with the 15-8 loss.

“I feel like this team can pull itself together,” said Witherbee. “We can really play well and come back from things like this, but oh well. It didn’t happen today.”

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