Charles City Lady Panthers shut out by Essex in home opener

Charles City's Kaelynn Spencer (right) is a split second behind in connecting for a hit.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers home opener on Friday afternoon boasted a roster with seven returning players that hopes to be a firm foundation for the team’s future. But despite having that plethora of experience, Essex’s Lady Trojans wasn’t taking the bait.

Fielding errors by the hosts along with the inability to cross home plate led Essex to a 25-0 victory over the Lady Panthers.

Despite decent pitching from Janiya Washington, the team was able to convert basic plays for outs, often overthrowing teammates or misjudging pop flies. Meanwhile, Essex continued to pour on the offense, scoring runs at will with a grand slam late in the contest highlighting the scoring.

Charles City’s best chance came in the bottom of the second as they had loaded the bases. But back-to-back strikeouts prevented the hosts from capitalizing.

After the game, Charles City Lady Panthers Head Coach Karen Burcham commented about the several miscues in the contest.

“We have a lot to work on and that is all we can do,” she said. “Our fielding and our batting is hurting us. We have too many holes.”

Charles City falls to 1-2 on the season.