The Paint Branch Junior Varsity Girls’ Softball team kicked off their season on Tuesday, March 22nd with a 17-11 win over the Wootton Patriots.

The Panthers used some strong defense and offense to take down the Patriots. This matchup, which ended after just four innings, saw the Panthers come out strong from the start. PB was led by the pitching of Crystal Okanume, who was helped by solid defense and the endless cheers of her teammates in the dugout. The Panthers were in high spirits from the very start as they were excited for the first game of the season. The game started strong as the Panthers sent six batters up to the plate, including junior captain Darlene Pineda, who led the game off with a home run. Sophomore Miana Oliver followed with a hit and eventually scored as did the third batter, freshman Alyiah Beuno Molina. The Patriots managed one run in their half of the first, which left PB ahead 3-1. 

In the second inning the Panthers came out strong and on fire as they scored seven runs which gave them a lead that they would not relinquish. The Patriots responded to the Panthers by scoring five runs of their own in the inning, but PB was too strong overall. 

 In the third inning, the Panthers only scored three runs but sent nine batters to the plate.  Wooton tried to get back into it by scoring four runs of their own, but the Panthers’ consistent offense kept them ahead. 

In the fourth and final inning, the Panthers scored four more runs to up their total to 17 before their defense took over and was headstrong and eager to win. In the end, the Patriots’ last batter popped out to first baseman Beuno Molina to end the game.  

Unfortunately, the Panthers couldn’t build off of the momentum they built in their opening win as they fell to Quince Orchard in their second game, but spirits are high as they face Sherwood today at 3:45.