The Knoxville softball team hung tough with the defending state runner-up Lady Dees of Albia, but ultimately fell in a single game 9-3.

In a game heard live on KNIA, the explosive Lady Dee offense went to work in the first plating three runs. The Panthers showed some resiliency answering right back with three runs of their own in the second headlined by a two RBI single by Hannah Hauschildt. Albia seized the lead right back with a pair of runs in the second and got some insurance in the fourth and sixth innings. Kennedy Schroeder had a huge night for the Lady Dees going 4-for-4 with four RBI. The Panthers had five hits led by Hauschildt with two. Reilly Finarty took the loss in the circle. Head Coach Coy Hupfeld tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he was pleased with the team’s ability to battle back and something he notes is not easy to do against a solid squad like Albia. The Lady Dees improved to 8-1 and Knoxville dropped to 4-4. The Panthers get back on the diamond today traveling to Oskaloosa for a tournament.