PREP SOFTBALL: Panthers cap off perfect Shenandoah season

BRIDGEWATER – All season long, no one in the Shenandoah District could figure out how to beat Page County in softball.

They still can’t.

The Panthers blanked Riverheads 7-0 Thursday, claiming the district championship to go with their regular-season crown.

Despite the loss, Riverheads moves on to the first round of Monday’s Region B Tournament where it will face Bull Run champion Clarke County in Berryville.

“Hopefully, we can play like Riverheads softball knows how to play, “ said Gladiator coach Jenn Colvin.

Riverheads (13-8) got five hits in the game, but solid defense by the Panthers prevented any runs from crossing the plate.

The Panthers got the only run they would need in the bottom of the first when Brittany Wolfe drew a lead-off walk, stole second and came all the way in to score when a pick-off attempt sailed into the outfield.

Page County put the game away the next inning scoring five times on a double, four singles and a walk.

The Panthers’ final run came in the fourth when Kaitlyn Morris put down a squeeze bunt, scoring Rachel Breeden.

Panthers catcher Chasity Lucas threw out two Gladiator base runners trying to steal and pitchers Kristy McDaniel Morris were not seriously challenged again until the last inning.

Riverheads loaded the bases in the top of the seventh on a base hit and a pair of walks but couldn’t come up with a run-scoring hit.