Growing pains were the main thing Coach Sydney Anderson noticed.
Anderson, coach of the Fillmore Central/Exeter-Milligan/Friend softball team, said the team competed well in its first four games. The Panthers lost to Centura 10-6 and York 8-7 Aug. 22 and fell to Bishop Neumann 9-0 and Centennial 10-8 Aug. 24.
“The girls competed very well,” Anderson said. “There are still things to work on.”
They got through the opening game jitters Aug. 22 and were more confident on the field Aug. 24.
Anderson said the offense is hitting well and finding ways to reach base. The young pitchers are showing promise, as well. She said the team is not consistent yet, but that will come with time and repetitions.
The Panthers opened against Centura and led 4-0 after the top of the second. The Centurions scored four in the second to tie the score and six in the third to forge ahead.
Calli Gonzales led the FCEMF offense with a 3-3 game and drove in two runs. Emma Meyer and Bailey Hafer had two hits each, as well. Meyer had two RBIs.
FCEMF led York 7-6 going into the bottom of the seventh and allowed two runs, giving the Dukes the 8-7 win. Gonzales, Alexis Saatmann and Hafer had two hits each, and Addi Treinen drove in three runs.
The Panthers hosted Centennial and Bishop Neumann for a triangular Aug. 24. Bishop Neumann held the FCEMF offense in check, allowing just four hits including a double by Faith Harding.
In the second game, both Centennial and FCEMF scored seven runs in the second inning. The Broncos, however, had one in the first and two in the third, while FCEMF added one in the fourth.
FCEMF outhit Centennial 10-9, led by two hits from Meyer, including a double, and Treinen. Brooklyn Oldehoeft and Abby Kimbrough drove in two runs each.
The Panthers were at Aurora Aug. 27 and fell to the Huskies 11-0. FCEMF had two hits in the game – singles by Gonzales and Meyer.
Anderson said she wants to see the team chemistry and defense improve. Many on defense are playing in different positions, so getting used to the players around you and their skills is important, she said.
Up next for the Panthers (0-5) is a home game against Fairbury Thursday, Aug. 29, at 6:30 p.m. and their home quadrangular Saturday, Aug. 31, starting at 10 a.m. Raymond Central, Southern Diller Odell and Twin River will come to Geneva to play.
“I hope to see us come together and start to trust each other and put the pieces together,” Anderson said.
