Charles City Lady Panthers fail to secure win in season finale against Mathews

Charles City’s Aniyah King (4) makes a bolt for home plate on a passed ball for the first run of the game for the Lady Panthers.

Robb Johnson photo

Sometimes the biggest victories are those that go beyond the scoreboard. For Charles City High School’s Lady Panthers’ softball team, finishing the season after a six-year absence is a moral one.

But not even moral victories could help Charles City as they fell 19-3 to the visiting Mathews Lady Blue Devils in the season finale.

The game was more of a teaching moment for the young team. Charles City surrendered eight runs in the top of the first inning.

Charles City did show a bright spot in the second inning. After a pitching change by the Lady Blue Devils, the Lady Panthers pushed two runs across the plate, resulting into Mathews returning to their original starter. From there, the hosts couldn’t connect for another hit until late in the contest. Meanwhile, Mathews added 11 more runs for insurance to seal the win.

After the conclusion of the contest, first-year Charles City Lady Panthers Head Coach Karen Burcham offered her perspective on the season on a team with no seniors.

“I encouraged the girls who want to pitch to go to camps this summer and play fall ball with the recreation center, all while practicing at home,” she said. “We want to start early and the best way for a team to be better is to work together as a team.

“If we can get together and do our conditioning through the year, we can come out next Spring and be on top of our game,” Burcham concluded.

Charles City’s Lady Panthers conclude the season winless at 0-11.