Four runs in the fourth inning for the Knoxville Softball Squad secured an 8-1 victory over Southeast Warren in the Panthers’ season opener for 2020. Knoxville fell behind in the first, committing two errors and allowing the Warhawks to score the early run. However, from the second inning on, pitcher Ashlyn Finarty was solid and the bats came alive up and down the order to build a lead throughout the game. The bottom of the Panthers order was especially productive as number nine hitter Olivia Maasdam went 3/4 with an RBI. Coach Carla Smith was happy to get the win with several girls contributing.

Smith:
“I can’t take all the credit in this. I have to speak up for Melanie Sullivan, she ran for Ashlyn every time she got on base. Olivia went 3/4, Ashlyn did a great job at the plate. We’re just going to come back and clean up a few things before we play Pella Christian on Thursday night.”

Finarty went five innings allowing one run on four hits, no walks and three strikeouts. Along with Maasdam at the plate, Finarty went 2/2 with two RBI to help her own cause. Knoxville is now 1-0 and will travel to Pella Christian on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Knoxville Baseball Squad is hoping to duplicate what the softball squad did on Monday as the Panthers open up their season against Bondurant-Farrar. Knoxville is ushering in a new era as Turner Devore takes over the Panthers program. For fans planning to attend, tonight’s game was originally scheduled for Bondurant, but due to field conditions, the game has been moved to Knoxville. First pitch is scheduled for around 7:30pm.