Let’s Play Ball! Panthers Back on the Diamond
May 07, 2024
The Panthers have launched their baseball and softball seasons and are wasting no time getting down to business. The varsity boys baseball team, reigning Division III state champions, opened their season with five decisive wins – including an impressive shutout vs. Windsor – before their first loss vs. Blue Mountain (3-10) on Saturday. The varsity roster includes one senior, Justin Robinson, and a deep bench of returning players.
In the Valley News 2024 baseball guide, Coach Phil Chaput said of the team, ““We are returning a core group from last year’s state championship team, and we have high expectations. The three newcomers will add depth at key positions. Dedication, hard work and togetherness are key components of our clubhouse.” Junior Gavin Chambers joined the team this year, along with freshmen Matthew McGovern and Oliver Sarazin. This week, the Panthers travel to Randolph and Hazen for games on Tuesday and Thursday. Next home game vs. Lyndon is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. this Saturday.
Softball also opened with an impressive win streak, defeating Windsor, Vergennes, and Lake Region in their first three match-ups. The girls currently stand at 4-3 for the season after losses to North Country, Oxbow, and Blue Mountain and an exciting win vs. Windsor.
Coach Morgan is excited about the team this year: “Rebecca Osgood is getting into the groove and the ball flies off her bat. Against BMU, she hit her first home run of the season. Eiea Morgan is our leadoff hitter and is very comfortable at the plate and catching and is leading the team with 12 stolen bases. Natalie (Perry) is also lightning fast on the bases with has 8 stolen bases on the year. When Eiea and Natalie get on those bases they run wild.”
“McKayla Stanley,” she continued, “is also hitting the ball well. She has pitched 6 games and has compiled 35 strikeouts. Grace (Elmer) has improved dramatically since last year and is batting clean-up. Paige (Tremblay) played some winter ball last winter and is improving her game. Elizabeth (Waterman) is also a huge part of the team and very positive. These are all girls who have returned and are extremely close on and off the field.”
The Panthers have added three new players from Rivendell and one from Thetford: Bella Murphy, Autumn Powers, Lyza Taylor and Devina Tarmey and Lailyanna Benjamin, “who are all finding their stride and contributing nicely to the team dynamics and chemistry.” The girls play at Randolph on Tuesday this week, with their next home game vs. Lyndon on Monday, May 12 at 4:30 p.m.