Panther softball has maintained its unbeaten record in dramatic fashion.
In their first seven games, Franklin outclassed most of their opponents, with Smoky Mountain and Hiwassee Dam providing their only serious threats. Versus the Madison Patriots, the Panthers nearly met their match, but overcame a two-run deficit to improve to 8-0.
On Thursday, March 28, Franklin welcomed the Patriots to Macon Middle School for what has become an annual clash between the WNC powers. There, Madison opened the scoring in the top of the second, turning two singles and a two-base error into an early 1-0 lead. With one out and runners on second and third, Madison threatened to continue the rally, but were thwarted by a Kendall Rumans strikeout and a tough putout from shortstop Ashlyn McConnell.
The Patriots tacked onto their lead in the fourth, doubling their lead by way of a hit batsman, a single and a sacrifice bunt. Upon catching a high fly ball in the fifth, senior right fielder Laura Holland noticed a Patriot off her base, firing a pinpoint throw to first for a 9-3 double play.
Franklin kickstarted their offense in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases with an error and singles from Jozy Dehart and Layla Maloy. Rumans and senior Avery Moffitt then singled to put their team up 3-2.
Having made Franklin’s play of the game on defense, Holland lifted Franklin’s offense in the sixth, belting a first-pitch home run to right center field to make it 4-2.
Madison mounted a dangerous comeback attempt in the seventh, cutting their deficit to 4-3 with a leadoff double, a walk and a single. With runners on first and second however, Rumans drew a weak popup for an easy final out to cement the win.
After beating Madison, the Panthers had more than a week to prepare for their next game, traveling to Brevard after spring break April 8.