In its final Mid-Valley League series of 2023, the Maxwell softball team swept Hamilton City by scores of 7-2 and 2-1 in games last week.
Setting the tone in both contests was senior pitcher Jocelyn Lazarus, who struck out a total of 28 batters, scattered four hits, and yielded just one earned run in the pair of wins.
In Hamilton City, on May 2, Lazarus, in addition to getting it done in the circle, had a big day at the plate, finishing 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Emma Hendrix went 2 for 4 with an RBI, Bailee Haywood had an RBI double, and Ava Barrett drove in a run with a single.
It was a much tighter affair on May 5, although the Panthers provided just enough support for Lazarus’ dominant performance by putting two runs on the board in the fourth inning.
With one out, Haywood drew a walk and then scored on a double off the bat of Barrett, which, in turn, set the stage for Teresita Salazar, who delivered a single that plated Barrett for what proved to be the game winner.
Salazar was Maxwell’s top hitter, going 2 for 3, while Shelby Dunlap and Sydnee Wilson accounted for the Panthers’ only other hits.
After finishing third in the MVL standings, Maxwell (8-8-1, 6-4) readies itself for the Northern Section CIF Division VII playoffs. ■
