Mathews too much as Lady Panthers fall in home finale

Charles City senior Mary Black snags an outfield fly as one of her 11 defensive putouts against Mathews.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers dug themselves in an early double-digit hole, and couldn’t dig themselves out.

Mathews’ visiting Lady Blue Devils pushed across 10 runs in the first frame before cruising to an 18-0 victory during Tuesday evening’s home softball finale.

Mathews started early, batting around in the first inning, with Imani South accounting for five of the 10 RBIs. And while Mathews failed to score in the second, South’s single in the third drove in another run to up the visitor’s lead to 13-0.

Charles City struggled to advance along the basepaths, as only six runners made it to base during the first four frames. Meanwhile, South doubled in the top of the fourth to widen the margin to 15-0. Mathews added three more in the top of the fifth and held the hosts to five hits en route to the 18-0 shutout.

Lady Panther head coach Lauren Wood spoke about the slow start for the hosts.

“We started this game a little bit better,” said Wood, comparing the outing to the game on their opponent’s home turf. “Even though it’s not shown in the score, we are improving and we are working hard.”

The Lady Panthers’ head coach also spoke about one of the bright spots in the contest. Senior outfielder Mary Black had a busy day, accounting for 11 of the team’s 15 outs on defense.

“She has played phenomenal all year and has received high praise from other coaches,” said Wood on the play of her 4’11” outfielder. “She has played a big role for us and I wish she’d started playing sooner instead of waiting until her senior year.”

As for the rest of the team, Wood is hoping the final games of the season will serve as learning tools for her young team.

“I have a good and dedicated group of girls. It’s getting there and we’ll get it right,” concluded the head coach.

Charles City falls to 1-11 overall and 1-5 in the Tidewater District.