Knoxville softball traveled to Monroe Tuesday night for a showdown with the PCM and used big third and fourth innings to knock off the Mustangs by a final of 7-3, as heard live on 95.3 KNIA.

For the Panthers, Freshman Charlie Willis made her first career varsity start in the circle and gave the Panthers four solid innings, allowing just three hits and three unearned runs. Ashlyn Finarty delivered the big blow in the game with a three run shot over the bleachers in left field to give Knoxville the lead in the third. The Panthers wouldn’t relinquish that lead, scoring three more in the fourth inning and adding one in the seventh to down the Mustangs.

PCM freshman starting pitcher Ella Schendel pitched all seven innings, surrendering 15 hits and seven runs. Belle Hudnut gave PCM the lead in the first inning, scoring on a passed ball. After giving up the lead, Eliana Buswell collected a two-RBI single in the fourth to bring the Mustangs within three, but they wouldn’t be able to add anything further. Despite the loss Head Coach Shaun Hudnut was pleased with what his team learned Tuesday, and with how his team performed.

Knoxville moves to 19-8 on the season with the win, while PCM falls to 13-13. The two teams will meet again Tuesday, July 6th in the first round of Regional play. Knoxville is off tonight before hosting Clarke Thursday, while PCM travels to No.13 in Class 3A Roland-Story tonight for a game at 7:30 p.m.