Lady Panthers’ softball historic season comes to an end in regional quarterfinals

Charles City’s Kha’mani Bowling eyes down the ball to make a crucial catch.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers first ever softball playoff debut saw the team host a Tidewater District foe in the regional quarterfinals on May 29. And while the journey and the trip was history making for the Lady Panthers, the outcome was bittersweet.

Mathews Lady Blue Devils took control early in the contest, defeating Charles City 12-2 and bringing the Lady Panthers’ season to an end in the Region 1A quarterfinals.

Charles City knew they had a tall task in front of them despite being the higher seed, as Mathews had toppled them earlier on in the season. The visitors wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, pushing two runs across home plate in the top of the first and an additional one in the top of the second.

The Lady Panthers responded, with Nina Cannada’s RBI single putting the hosts on the board. Moments later, Kaylee Stewart’s base hit drove home the team’s second run as Charles City trailed Mathews by one (3-2) heading into the top of the third.

But the experience of the Lady Blue Devils took center stage in the top of the fourth as they began finding gaps in the middle of the Lady Panthers’ defense. Meanwhile, Mathews locked down on defense, thwarting any attempt for the home team to produce offense. The Lady Blue Devils scored a total of nine runs over the fourth and fifth innings, taking a 12-2 lead into the bottom of the fifth. Charles City could not score in the bottom of the frame, resulting in the mercy rule kicking in and ending the Lady Panthers’ quest.

Charles City finishes the season with a record of 11-6.