The Pella Christian Softball Squad broke a ten game losing streak knocking off class 4A #13 Knoxville 3-1 heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The Panthers got going early and looked to grab early momentum when Ashlyn Finarty hit a towering home run to right center field to give Knoxville a 1-0 lead. But the Panthers would only get one more hit the rest of the game as Pella Christian’s Emma Eekhoff along with Alexa Dunsbergen limited the Panthers to just two hits and helped strand seven base runners. Eagles Coach Karen Harill told KNIA/KRLS Sports they were able to make some adjustments after the home run and her team responded well.

Harill: “We made adjustments to the pitching staff tonight and how we wanted to handle that, and out catcher Claire Westerkamp did a great job for being new to that since Sydney is hurt, and we just did a good job.”

Eekhoff got the win going five innings allowing one run on one hit, striking out three and walking three. Knoxville Coach Carla Smith told KNIA/KRLS Sports her team was not focused enough on the game and hopes tonight will be a better outcome.

Smith: “I think we took for granted that we beat Pella and Pella beat Pella Chriastian. I think we didn’t come with the right mindset and we talked about that after the game that we need to come with the right mindset and I think tomorrow will be a new day.”

Ashlyn Finarty took the loss going five innings surrendering three runs on eight hits and striking out four. Knoxville is now 9-6 and will come home tonight to face class 3A #10 ranked Davis County while Pella Christian is now 6-15 and will face class 4A #7 Indianola tonight, a game you can hear on kniakrls.com KRLS3.