The Russellville Middle School Softball team put together a memorable season this year, setting team records along the way.
The Lady Panthers are coached by Ryan Davenport, who also is the school’s new high school varsity head coach.
Russellville finished with 19 wins in 26 starts, a school record, as compared to win totals of1, 5 and 12 the last three years. The team was 6-0 in the district during the regular season and was district runner-up in the tournament.
Davenport’s team made it to the state quarterfinals by getting the program’s first win ever over Christian County. The Lady Colonels were the defending state champions. They outscored their opponents 189-87.
The pitching was strong with a team earned run average of 2.33. Addie Mosier led the way with a 1.60 ERA in 70 innings, picking up 11 wins. Amiya Collier had a 3.87 ERA in 40 innings and earned 7 wins. Sixth grader Madison Cardwell pitched 4 innings for a win and a 1.250 ERA.
Lilly Newman led the team with a .528 batting average. Jaylah Kees topped the team with 28 RBIs. Collier blasted two home runs, a team high. The Lady Panthers’ batting average was .340.
Russellville will return six starters next year, Davenport notes.
This year’s rosters: 8th Graders—Lilly Newman, Addie Mosier and Anastasia Dowlen; 7th Graders—Amiya Collier, Brinley Mason, Jaylah Kees, Gracie Belew and Natalie Cates; 6th Graders--Madison Cardwell, Madison Penrod, Reese Croslin, Crissy Higgins and Akiah Bell; 5th Grader—Kayelynn Davenport; 4th Graders—Chloe Penrod, Marlie Mason and Jad’ae Poindexter.
Shown in the group picture of six players are, from left, standing, A'miyah Collier, Addie Mosier, and Crissy Higgins and, bottom, Madison Penrod, Jaylah Kees and Madison Cardwell.