ETNA, CA (MPG) – After claiming the Northern Section CIF Division VII championship in 2023, the Maxwell softball team moved up to Division VI this year where it found the going somewhat tougher as after upsetting No. 2 Burney, it fell to No. 3 Etna bringing its season to an end.
Making the trip to Burney on May 14, outstanding pitching and clutch hitting propelled the No. 7 seeded Panthers to the 4-2 upset victory over the Raiders.
Tied 2-2 after seven innings, Maxwell put two runs on the board in the top of the eighth as Ryann Dennis and Emma Hendrix both singled then came around to score on a double by Ruby Herrera.
What followed was a shutdown bottom of the frame from pitcher Bailee Haywood, which she delivered, striking out one and inducing two groundouts.
It was the conclusion to a strong outing from the senior in the circle where she yielded two hits and fanned 13.
Hendrix and Herrera both swung hot bats as they each finished with three hits apiece, while Ava Barrett picked up two knocks.
Yet, having to make a second trip into the high country two days later, the Panthers could not replicate the feat as they fell 1-4 to No. 3 Etna, who ultimately went on to upset No. 1 Biggs and capture the NSCIF D6 crown.
Still against the Lions, Maxwell jumped ahead early as Shelby Dunlap singled in the first at bat of the game, then proceeded to steal three bags to account for what unfortunately for the Panthers’ would be their lone run.
In addition to Dunlap, Barrett, Haywood and Teresita Salazar accounted for the only other hits in the game.
The loss served as the final game in the blue and gold for the team’s six seniors, which includes Dennis, Hendrix, Salazar, Dunlap, Barrett and Haywood.
Maxwell finished the season with an overall record of 15-11-1.