Chanute, KS – Softball kicked off home Regular Season play on Tuesday hosting Pratt Community College on a blustery southeast Kansas day. Despite outhitting Pratt 10-7, Neosho Panthers fell 8-5 on Tuesday.
Neosho came out strong after surrendering a solo home run to Arevalo in the top of the first. They answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning, taking a 3-1 lead when Melannie Townes drew a bases-loaded walk to score one and Faith Jones followed with a two-run single. The Panthers extended their advantage in the second inning. Kamden Bray grounded out to bring home two more runs, giving Neosho a 5-1 lead and early momentum. Pratt tied the game in the third after a grand slam by Montez, and later took the lead in the fourth. Neosho continued to battle at the plate, finishing with 10 hits in the game. Jayden Willard paced the Panthers with three hits. Favy Najar and Kaylee Parker each added multiple-hit performances, while Jones drove in two runs from the seven spot in the lineup. Najar also swiped two of the team’s three stolen bases. Pilar Cox took the loss for Neosho, working four and one-third innings with four strikeouts. Brylee Northcutt came in relief for the Panthers, going two and two-third innings, allowing one hit and one run. The Panthers’ offense stayed aggressive throughout, consistently putting pressure on Pratt’s pitching staff.
In game two the Neosho Panthers secured a strong 5-1 victory over Pratt behind a dominant performance by Kamden Bray in the circle and a balanced offensive attack. After Pratt plated a run in the top of the first, Neosho responded immediately. Favy Najar delivered a clutch single in the bottom half of the inning to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead they would not surrender. Neosho added to its advantage in the second inning when Jayden Willard battled through a seven-pitch at-bat before ripping a double down the left field line, driving in two runs and extending the lead. The Panthers continued to apply pressure at the plate, finishing with seven hits in the game. Bray was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game seven inning performance. She allowed just one hit and one unearned run while striking out five and walking two to earn the win. Najar, Abbi Godfrey, and Willard each recorded two hits to pace the offense. Najar and Willard drove in two runs each, providing all the run support Bray would need.
The Panthers will look to carry the momentum forward when they return home Saturday to face NEO and Barton.
