Centralia posts win over Panthers in softball

PINCKNEYVILLE - The Panthers softball team fell victim to a strong Centralia ballclub Monday, losing 8-3, in nonconference action.

The Orphan Annies jumped out on top with six runs in the opening inning and cruised to victory from there.

Winning pitcher for Centralia was Raegan Branon, who went the distance, striking out seven while scattering 10 hits. Picking up the loss for PCHS was Hallie Waggoner. She went three innings, allowed seven runs on 11 hits, struck out one and walked one. Taylor Witges relieved and worked the next three innings, gave up no runs on two hits, struck out three and walked one, Deja Jenkel hurled the final frame, surrendering one run (unearned) on two hits. She fanned one and walked none.

At the plate, the Panthers were paced by Kiya Hagene who rapped out three hits in as many at bats. Witges was 2-4 with a double and RBI. Aubrey Bruns was 2-3. Linsey McMillan went 4-5 with a double to lead the Annies, while Brylee Dukes added three hits.

"We came into today knowing that Centralia was a really good team and we were using it as a tune up for Tuesday," said PCHS head coach Alan Engelhardt. "They really jumped on us early with 10 of their hits in the first two innings and then our pitchers settled in after that. Their pitcher is really good - she is a Bradley commit - but I thought we swung the bat pretty well against her, knocking out 10 hits."

Engelhardt said Hagene had a "really good game," getting on base and setting the table in numerous innings.

"And Taylor and Aubrey both added a couple of line drives.

Pinckneyville fell to 18-8 with the loss.