The Lady Panthers faced the final obstacle in their path for the District 8-AA Championship Tuesday, April 17, as they took on the Comfort Deer. In the previous meeting of the two teams the Panthers were behind 0-3 for the first two innings, but then poured on 13 runs to end the game at 13-3 in five innings. The Blanco girls didn’t hesitate on this might as they jumped ahead to a 10-0 lead at the end of the first inning. The Panthers added four runs in the second and two in the third for a final score of 16-1.

Callie Culton pitched the first two innings with one hit, no walks, and four strike-outs. Meaghen Seales pitched the final inning with one walk and two hits.

Callie hit 3 for 3 with two singles, one double, and two RBI. Leslie McClinton hit a single and a double and scored three runs. Meaghen, Payton Savarino, Taylor Guinn, and Angel Williams each had a hit.

The Panthers finished district at 7-1. Junction is second with a 6-2 record, followed by Comfort in third.

The Panthers traveled to Georgetown on Friday, April 20, to battle the Eastview Patriots. With the two teams holding 20-plus wins on their season records, the game proved to be exciting.

Callie pitched all seven innings for the 4-1 Panther win. Callie tossed six strike-outs with no walks and four hits. Callie and Meaghen each hit two singles. Payton swiped a fly between left field and center for a triple and a RBI. Leslie, Mackenzie, Taylor, and Abbie Culton each hit a single.

Outstanding outfield defensive catches were made by Abbie, Meaghen, and Megan Brown. Infielders Taylor, Leslie, and Payton made stops on hard-hit grounders.

The ladies will play a warm-up game at Marion next Tuesday, May 1, at 6:00pm. After a bye in the first round of play-offs, Blanco will play Clyde or Comanche in the Area round of play-offs. The Panthers are currently 23-1 on the season.