Panther freshman-sophomore team reaches end of season

The Monticello Panthers completed their freshman-sophomore softball season with 10 games over a 15-day span.

The Panthers played host to Anamosa in a doubleheader June 18, and lost by scores of 10-1 and 19-3. In the opener, Olivia Zimmerman batted 2-for-3 and stole two bases. Bella Mullen batted 2-for-2 in the second game.

Monticello traveled to Dubuque Wahlert for a June 20 single game, and lost 10-0. Reagan Schneiter batted 2-for-4.

On June 25, Monticello played a home doubleheader against Wilton, and lost both games by identical scores of 13-6. Madison Butterworth hit a triple in the first game.

In the second game, Emily Hendricks batted 2-for-2 and scored three runs. Aveeon Drake was 2-for-3.

The Panthers went to Anamosa June 27 for a twinbill, and lost by scores of 13-3 in four innings and 1-0. Kayla King walked twice for the hitless Panthers in the first game.

Courtney Thies pitched a one-hitter with seven strikeouts and just one walk in the second game, but was the hard-luck losing pitcher. Emma Sperfslage batted 2-for-2.

Western Dubuque paid a visit to Monticello July 1, and defeated the Panthers by scores of 10-0 and 12-0, both in four innings.

The Panthers closed out the season with a single game at Durant July 2, which Monticello won 16-7. Butterworth batted 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Faith Hansen, Thies and Zimmerman had two hits each. Thies pitched five innings to get the win.

Monticello finished with a record of 3-10-1.

"The girls definitely got better as the season went on," Monticello coach Allison Kraus said. "There were a few bumps in the road, but they did well. The last game was their best game."