Sports Brief: Lady Panthers Win, 4-3

In just over an hour and 15 minutes on June 2, the Lady Panthers softball team secured a first-round win in the Division II playoffs over visiting Exeter-West Greenwich, 4-3, at a windy and dusty Mazzulla Field.

The Scarlet Knights built at 2-0 lead after three innings, and overcame a three-run fourth inning by Johnston that included sophomore Amanda Columbo's two-run inside-the-park homer.

Johnston's senior catcher Victoria St. Angelo took advantage of an overthrown ball by E-WG shortstop Katelyn McElroy in the bottom of the fifth to secure first base. She then stole second and advanced to third on a balk by E-WG's Juliann Tefft before a Columbo single brought her home to break the 3-3 tie and give the Lady Panthers the lead for good.

JHS awaits the winner of the other first-round D-II contest between Mt. Hope and East Greenwich. Results were not known by the publication of this article.

Watch for a full game report, including photos and video, tomorrow morning on JohnstonPatch.